Join the Sonoma County Library in celebrating Pride Month this June, which serves as a time to promote the self-affirmation, dignity, equality and increased visibility of the LGBTQ+ community.
The first Pride Month was held in New York City on June 28th, 1970 and was coordinated in part by Brenda Howard, a bisexual activist. This event celebrated the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, one of the most important events that lead to the gay liberation movement and increased fights for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Other important events that led up to this moment included the Cooper Do-nuts Riot of 1959, the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot of 1966, and many other oft-forgotten attempts by the LGBTQ+ community to fight for their basic human rights.
With the increase of anti-trans legislation across the country this year, it is more important than ever that libraries make the effort to show the LGBTQ+ community that our space is one where they will always be welcomed and celebrated, not just during Pride Month but every day.
Virtual Events
Social Justice Club for Teens (ages 13-18)
Every Thursday at 4pm
The theme for June is Transgender Rights. To register for this weekly club, follow the links below:
Tuesday, June 22 at 5:30pm
Sonoma County LGBTQI+ History Timeline
Register here to receive your Zoom link!
How can our history inform our future? LGBTQI+ people have always lived in Sonoma County and have had a significant role in queer culture and politics regionally, statewide and even nationally. Explore the community building, cultural and social change forged by local LGBTQI+ people during the years 1947 – 2000, and join us for a lively discussion about community and other topics important to North Bay LGBTQI+ life.
Presented by Tina Dungan and Shad Reinstein, LGBTQI+ Historians who together created the Sonoma County LGBTQI+ Timeline.
Film Discussion: El Canto del Colibri: Latino Immigrant Men and Their LGBTQ Family Members
Thursday, June 24 at 6:00pm –
Register here to receive your Zoom link!
View the film ahead on Kanopy with your library card and then join the discussion via Zoom! Spanish interpretation will be available.
“El Canto del Colibri,” is a story of Latino fathers dealing with issues of immigration, faith, marriage equality, machismo, culture, and the process of their LGBTQ children coming out. Responding to requests from “Tres Gotas de Agua” audiences around the world, the filmmakers are taking this journey by inviting Latino men to speak frankly about delicate and deeply personal topics. This film will address political issues about LGBTQ families, social oppression, shared responsibility and acceptance of LGBTQ people as members of Latino families.
Special storytimes celebrate Pride, love, inclusion, and acceptance of ourselves and of others.
- June 16 through June 22 – Dial-a-Story/Telecuento: Sirenas
Call 707-755-2050 to hear this favorite Spanish story about Julian, who dreams of being a mermaid. - June 19th – Bilingual Storytime: Be Who You Are
Stories, songs, and games in Spanish and English about loving yourself and others. Appearing on the SonomaLibrary YouTube channel.
Summer Take & Make Craft Kits
Available at all 14 library branch locations! Kits are available on a first come, first served basis. While supplies last. For ages 5 & up w/ adult supervision. Call the library to request Curbside Service and a Take & Make Kit!
Look for these special rainbow themed crafts:
- June 7: Summer Journals & Rainbow Pencils
- June 21: Rainbow Heart Sign
Information courtesy of Sonoma County Library
