NASW-CA Celebrates Pride Month

The NASW-CA team wishes all LGBTQIA+ social workers, advocates, and allies a happy Pride Month! We recognize June as a time to honor and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of queer social workers and activists. Their life–long dedication to advocating for the safety, visibility, and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community remains with us today and will not be forgotten.  

As we celebrate and affirm the identities of the LGBTQIA+ community, it is also a reminder to pay homage to the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969. Due to activists such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, Stonewall became a catalyst for the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights across the nation. Though LGBTQIA+ rights have come a long way, its gains are still being threatened through the states. NASW-CA stands in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and condemns the inequities and discrimination the community still faces today. We are committed to advancing LGBTQIA+ justice such as access to appropriate healthcare, protecting LGBTQIA+ youth, rights to housing, rights to employment, and much more.  

We invite you to join us this month to celebrate community and solidarity, reflect on the history of LGBTQIA+ rights, commemorate those who were harmed from anti-LGBTQIA+ oppression, and take action to create meaningful change for a more inclusive and diverse world.  

NASW-CA’s LGBTQ+ Council 

We would like to highlight our LGBTQ+ Council! This council is a great opportunity for you to get involved and stay connected with other LGBTQIA+ social workers. Every month, the council holds a free Virtual Support & Consultation Group where social workers can meet regularly with others in the field, share resources, build community, and find support. Some meetings will feature presentations from special guests currently working with the LGBTQ+ population.  

Please contact LGBTQ+ Council Chairs Verna Barrientos (she/her) at verna.n.barrientos@gmail.com and Essy Knopf (he/him) at ehsan.knopf@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns. 

Proud Social Worker Zoom Background 

Show off your Pride! NASW-CA is excited to share our Pride-themed virtual background to celebrate who you are. This month, and every month, NASW-CA celebrates you. Download our background below. 

NASW-CA’s Reading List 

We have compiled a reading list of recent and classic books that focus on LGBTQIA+ individuals and their stories. Here are some books you can add to your reading list during Pride Month and beyond. What are some other books you recommend? Contact naswnews@naswca.org to add a book to our list. 

NASW-CA’s Movie Suggestions  

The following list of films explores the various ways LGBTQIA+ individuals, along with other intersectional identities, navigate the world. We recognize majority of these films cast non LGBTQIA+ actors, and we hope to see more queer actors playing queer characters in the coming future. Do you have any movie suggestions? Contact naswnews@naswca.org to add a movie to our list.