🌈 Celebrating Pride Month and what it means

Celebrating Pride Month is about honoring and respecting every person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression—often referred to as SOGIE. It’s about creating a world where everyone feels safe, valued, and proud to be exactly who they are.

At Be Kind 5, we believe kindness means showing up for each other, learning together, and creating spaces where every identity is seen, respected, and celebrated.

💛 A Simple Guide to Understanding LGBTQIA2S+

If you’re opening your heart and mind to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, here’s a helpful starting point:

  • Lesbian: A woman who is emotionally, romantically, or physically attracted to other women.

  • Gay: A person who is attracted to people of the same gender (commonly used for men, but can be used broadly).

  • Bisexual: A person who is attracted to more than one gender.

  • Transgender (or Trans): A person whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.

  • Queer: An umbrella term that embraces all identities outside of heterosexual and cisgender norms.

  • Questioning: Someone who is exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation.

  • Intersex: A person born with natural variations in physical sex characteristics.

  • Asexual (Ace): Someone who experiences little or no sexual attraction.

  • Two-Spirit (2S): A culturally specific identity used by some Indigenous communities that reflects both gender and spiritual roles.

You may also see LGBTQIA2S+ or LGBTQ+. The “+” represents the many identities that exist beyond these labels—because language is always growing and evolving.

👉 The most important thing to remember:
Everyone defines themselves in their own way, and that deserves respect.

đŸŒ± Language is Always Evolving

There is no single “perfect” way to describe identity. Language continues to evolve as people better express who they are. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s respect, openness, and a willingness to learn.

At Be Kind 5, we encourage youth and adults (and ourselves!) to:

  • Stay curious

  • Ask respectful questions

  • Avoid assumptions

  • Lead with kindness

💬 YES — Pronouns Matter

Pronouns (like she/her, he/him, they/them) are more than just words—they’re part of a person’s identity and how they feel seen. Using someone’s correct pronouns shows respect and helps create a sense of belonging.

If you’re unsure:

  • Use their name

  • Or politely ask

Sharing your own pronouns can also help create a safe space for others to do the same.

Because just like we say at Be Kind 5

✹ You can’t judge a book by its cover—and you shouldn’t assume someone’s identity either.

đŸ«¶ What Pride Means at Be Kind 5

Pride is about:

  • Feeling safe in your identity

  • Celebrating diversity

  • Standing up for one another

  • Creating community and connection

And most importantly

It’s about kindness in action.

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, your role matters.
Every time you choose understanding over judgment, curiosity over assumptions, and kindness over silence—you are creating a more inclusive world.

And that’s what Be Kind 5 is all about 💛

Teresa ValleyKindness to Self (Mental Health)