The holidays can be especially challenging if you are dealing with the death of someone close to you. Whether it was a recent loss or one that occurred some time ago, feelings of grief can be heightened. This is a time for traditions and togetherness, but the ways in which we gather and celebrate have changed. Understanding how grief affects you, talking about holiday plans with those close to you, and remembering your loved ones can help.
June is Pride Month, a time that recognizes and celebrates the historical movement for LGBTQ+ visibility and civil rights. (LGBTQ+ stands for "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Others".) We commemorate this month because it was on June 28, 1969, that the patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York, resisted the police officers who arrived in the early morning hours to conduct a vice raid. Over the next few days, clashes continued between law enforcement and LGBTQ+ protesters. These events catalyzed the LGBTQ+ movement for civil rights. Since June 1970, they have been commemorated with celebrations and parades. Pride Month was federally recognized in 1999.