- 3 mins
Kids and the Expression of Gender Identity
On June 28, 1969, the police raided a New York City gay bar. Customers resisted, and the confrontation escalated to six days of protests and unrest. This was a key event at the beginning of the Pride movement. The following June, Brenda Howard, an openly bisexual woman, organized the first Pride parade, and has since been dubbed “The Mother of Pride.”
Back then, it was unlawful for members of the LGBTQ+ community to even meet in public spaces. Thankfully, we have moved on and are in a time in history when people in many parts of the world now enjoy the freedom to be themselves. Many people have come to accept and, in some cases, embrace the LGBTQ+ movement. Some countries have made more progress than others and the road to true equality is long and, unfortunately, sometimes tricky.
Nowadays, rather than a single day of celebrations, the whole month of June is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month is also celebrated in many other countries but not always in June. However, June 27 is the official Global Pride Day. This infographic shows when and how LGBTQ+ Pride parades are celebrated internationally.
Being able to express one’s true self without being oppressed is a human right. Educating our children about the history of Pride Month, and showing them that everyone has the right to feel accepted, is our responsibility and should be honored.
Whether you’re a teacher looking for ways to create a more inclusive classroom or a caregiver navigating how to approach the topic of diversity and inclusion, the Moshi app is a great tool to have in hand. Here are our favorite tracks to try this month:
Cali’s Rockpool of Inclusivity
Learn about inclusivity, welcoming others and celebrating difference, with a Moshling Mermaid and the friends who visit her rockpool.
This sleepy but heartwarming tale tells of a zonkey who teaches her donkey and zebra pals to come together and celebrate their differences.
This heartwarming Moshi Story tells of a fun-loving Moshling who struggles to fit in with some new faces. But when a kindly old wizard intervenes the tables are turned and Tumbles teaches everyone how to be more welcoming.