Before I moved to Texas and had lived there for several years, I knew almost nothing about Juneteenth. I am sad and embarrassed to admit this; and also must acknowledge that not much was said or taught in wider – or white – culture until recent years. Power does not often surrender itself without insistence. 

Even though Portland’s Pride Parade is in July this year, June is still internationally recognized as Pride Month. During Pride, queer folk are celebrated as beloved and beautiful, queer voices are lifted up and amplified, queer culture is delighted and rejoiced over, and queer rights are championed. While these are year-round commitments for many, Pride is a time set aside for joy and solidarity to be turned up by all LGBTQ+ persons.