Carol Zuniga, MS, LLP, CEO of Hegira Health, Inc.
May 2024
In 2000, to acknowledge the impact of the 1969 Stonewall Riots on gay rights and the gay pride movement in the U.S and around the world, President Bill Clinton designated June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. To be more inclusive, the name expanded under President Obama, to LGBTQ Pride Month in 2009.
Though Pride Month started with a clash, it is now a time when persons organize parades, community events and educational opportunities to increase awareness and celebrate the accomplishments of the LGBTQ community, persons who identify as sexual minorities, those whose sexual orientation or practices differ from the majority. And while we have made great strides since the Stonewall Riots creating communities with equal justice and equal opportunities for more persons, LGBTQ youth often face unique challenges and struggles as they navigate their identities in a world, while more understanding than in 1969, is frequently still not accepting or supportive.
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About the author
Carol Zuniga, MS, LLP, CEO of Hegira Health, Inc. is a licensed psychologist with more than 30 years’ experience in the healthcare industry. Hegira Health, Inc., is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services with clinic locations in Western Wayne and the Downriver communities. Visit www.hegirahealth.org.