Dear Members of the George Washington University Community,
As our university marks Pride Month and Capital Pride begins here in Washington, we join in celebrating the George Washington University’s LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Every day, we work to be an inclusive community that uplifts all those who have long strived for the rights, protections, and support they deserve. While there has been progress for the LGBTQIA+ community in our country over many decades, we recognize just how fragile this hard-fought progress is. Many members of the LGBTQIA+ community still feel the hurt and pain of discrimination, whether because of legislation that threatens their lives or from the fear of living openly in their communities.
This month, as you may know, carries special significance ever since the time of the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprising, which served as an impetus for the modern gay rights movement. Of course, this movement is far from over, and it is as necessary as ever today. In addition to celebrating the rich diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and their significant contributions to our world, the movement also rightly calls attention to the violence, discrimination, and bias that community members face, working to move us closer to true equity for all.
We all have a responsibility to contribute to advancing this movement for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual individuals—whether in our offices, classrooms, or legislative chambers across the country. I hope that you will have an opportunity to participate in an event or engage in supportive actions for the LGBTQIA+ community. More information on Pride Month from our Multicultural Student Services Center and Office for Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement is below.
I am grateful for the meaningful work taking place in our community, and I am very proud of the incredible contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals at our university.
Happy Pride, GW!
Sincerely yours,
Mark S. Wrighton
President