The Norwalk Board of Education and Norwalk Public Schools are pleased to recognize June as LGBTQ Pride Month. By proclaiming June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month, the Board of Education welcomes and supports all students, staff and families, no matter their gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.

The Board of Education and Norwalk Public Schools administrators, educators and staff are committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment for all. We believe that encouraging greater acceptance and support for all youth, including those who are or are perceived to be LGBTQ, will make communities, schools, and other settings safer, better places for all students.

Pride Month is celebrated each year in June to coincide with events of June 1969, when patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted the persecution to which LGBTQ Americans were commonly subjected. This moment in history is regarded as the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ Americans.

Today, LGBTQ Pride Month celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, attracting millions of participants around the world. In NPS classrooms this month and throughout the year, students discuss LGBTQ people and their struggles to achieve equity and justice in all aspects of their lives. They are learning about important LGBTQ people in history and reading literature that features LGBTQ people.

By recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month, the Board of Education encourages all students, staff and families to learn more about the challenges that the LGBTQ community have faced throughout history, as well as the LGBTQ Americans who have contributed to and shaped culture, business, government and other aspects of society. We encourage all to join us in creating a welcoming culture of awareness, acceptance and inclusion for all.