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NYCHA Now
Celebrating Pride Month
Celebrations Employee Voices June 2024 

June Is Pride Month!

Michael Corwin

Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ Community

During Pride Month, we recognize the contributions and impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals have made to society. We also reflect on the progress made in the fight for inclusion and equality, and NYCHA’s commitment to foster a safe and welcoming workplace. It is important that all of us at NYCHA appreciate our neighbors, friends, and colleagues who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. We are incredibly fortunate to live and work in a city that promotes individuality and being our authentic selves – enabling us to learn and understand each other’s differences. 

Why Celebrate Pride in June?

June is nationally acknowledged as the month to recognize LGBTQIA+ rights because of the Stonewall riots that took place over 50 years ago. On June 28, 1969, the police raided a gay club called Stonewall Inn, located in Greenwich Village. The raid sparked a riot among bar patrons against law enforcement, who were forcefully removing patrons and employees out of the bar and conducting arrests. For the next several days, protests and violent clashes took place between law enforcement and gay right activists in Greenwich Village. The Stonewall riots are widely accepted as a historical tipping point, serving as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world. 

What Does LGBTQIA+ Stand For?

LGBTQIA+ is an acronym used to signify gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual people collectively.

  • “L” stands for lesbian and describes a woman who is physically, emotionally, or romantically attracted to other women.
  • “G” stands for gay and describes a person who is physically, emotionally, or romantically attracted to people within the same gender.
  • “B” stands for bisexual and describes a person is physically, emotionally, or romantically attracted to people within more than one sex, gender, or gender identity.
  • “T” stands for transgender and describes a person whose gender identity or expression is different than their sex assigned at birth.
  • “Q” stands for queer or questioning and describes either a person whose sexual orientation is not exclusively heterosexual or straight, or a person who is exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • “I” stands for intersex and describes a person with differences in their sex traits or reproductive anatomy that does not fit typical definitions of female or male.
  • “A” stands for asexual and describes a person who lacks sexual attraction or desire for other people.
  • “+” stands for plus and represents members of the community who identify with a sexual orientation or gender identity that isn’t included within the LGBTQIA+ acronym.

Pride March

NYCHA is registered as a participant in the NYC Pride March this year and has its own banner – NYCHA employees: come join us in solidarity!

Comments or Concerns?

NYCHA’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) is available to discuss any issues or concerns if any employee feels that they are being targeted or treated based on their sex, gender, or sexual orientation, or any other Equal Employment Opportunity-protected categories.

Please contact our office at 212-306-4468 or odei@nycha.nyc.gov to speak to one of our staff members for assistance.