It’s often hard to remember all the holidays that happen in a month, especially in understanding what they are, who celebrates them, and how to acknowledge them in an inclusive way. As such, we at Plan to Action have curated a list of a few notable holidays in the upcoming month for your convenience with a brief overview of each. We’ve also included links to other resources if you’d like to learn more about each holiday.
The month of June is…
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month (June 1 – June 30, 2024). LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and other identities) month is a time dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the diverse experiences and contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Typically observed in June in many parts of the world, LGBTQIA+ month coincides with Pride Month, which commemorates the Stonewall riots of June 1969, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. The month serves as a platform to honor the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout history, highlight ongoing challenges such as discrimination and inequality, and advocate for greater inclusivity and rights for LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide. It's also an opportunity for allies to show their support and solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Inclusion Tip: Respect pronouns and identities when chatting with those in the community. Use people's chosen names and pronouns to affirm their gender identity. Respect and acknowledge the diversity of gender identities beyond the binary of male and female. Similarly, when discussing partners or spouses, try to use more gender-neutral language, rather than making assumptions (e.g., my partner vs my boyfriend; my spouse vs my husband).
Loving Day (June 12, 2024). Loving Day is celebrated on June 12th each year in the United States and commemorates the anniversary of the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in the case of Loving v. Virginia in 1967. This day honors the legalization of interracial marriage in the United States. Loving Day serves as a celebration of love, diversity, and the right to marry whomever one chooses, regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality. It is observed through various events, gatherings, and activities that promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity in relationships and society as a whole. Loving Day also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in matters of love and marriage.
Inclusion Tip: Use Loving Day as an opportunity to honor and appreciate the diversity of love and relationships. Learn about the history of interracial relationships and the struggles faced by interracial couples, both past and present. Educate yourself on the impact of racism on relationships and society as a whole.
Father’s Day (June 16, 2024). Father’s Day is a day to show appreciation and celebrate fathers and father figures (e.g., grandfathers, uncles, brothers, mentors).
Inclusion Tip: Be sensitive to those who may not have a father or father figure in their life, or those who may have recently lost a father or father figure in their life. It’s okay to celebrate those who choose to observe the holiday but avoid assumptions that it is celebrated by everyone.
Eid al-Adha (June 16 – June 19, 2024). Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most important Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world. Eid al-Adha is also a time for Muslims to strengthen bonds of community and family, exchange gifts, share meals together, and visit relatives and neighbors. It is a joyous occasion marked by acts of charity, forgiveness, and unity.
Inclusion Tip: Address anti-Muslim stereotypes and myths (can be private or public), and learn more about the Muslim community through reading and engaging with community.
Juneteenth (June 19, 2024). Juneteenth is an annual holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and read General Order No. 3, announcing the end of slavery. Although President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had been issued on January 1, 1863, declaring all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free, it took time for the news to reach all parts of the country, particularly remote areas like Texas. It wasn't until Granger's arrival and proclamation in Galveston, more than two years later, that the enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom.
Inclusion Tip: Take the time to learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth, as well as the experiences of Black Americans before, during, and after slavery. Educate yourself on the ongoing struggles for racial justice and equality. Listen to and amplify the voices of Black individuals and communities. Share their stories, perspectives, and achievements, and actively seek out diverse voices in media, literature, and social networks.
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