Pride is more than a day, more than a month, more than a festival. It is a powerful and ongoing celebration of human dignity, courage, and the right to live as one’s authentic self. As the School District of Lancaster, we are honored to stand with our LGBTQIA+ students, staff, families, and community members as we come together for Lancaster Pride’s 17th annual festival on Saturday, June 28.
This year’s theme, Owning Our History, asks us to reflect on the journeys of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have fought, and continue to fight, for equality, representation, and safety. Their stories remind us of the critical importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. From the pivotal moments of resistance at Stonewall to the daily acts of bravery that happen quietly in our schools and neighborhoods, history is made by those who refuse to be silenced or erased.
As a public school district, our mission is to educate and to nurture. That means providing every student with the tools to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. We are committed to supporting all students, no matter who they are or who they love and working to ensure that every child, every family, and every staff member feels seen, respected, and valued. LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families are integral to the heart of our district, and we are committed to making sure they experience true belonging.
Participating in Lancaster Pride is one way we demonstrate our commitment to these values. It is an opportunity to stand alongside local organizations, community members, and allies to show support, raise awareness, and celebrate the contributions of LGBTQIA+ people in Lancaster and beyond. Pride helps build bridges of understanding, and it encourages each of us to reflect on what we can do, individually and collectively, to promote kindness, fairness, and equity.
We also recognize that this work does not end when the festival concludes. Our dedication to LGBTQIA+ inclusion and support continues every day of the year. We will keep listening, growing, and working in partnership with students, staff, families, and community partners to make our schools safe and welcoming for all.
To everyone celebrating Pride, know that you are respected, valued, and supported. You deserve to live openly and proudly, surrounded by a community that embraces who you are.
Happy Pride, Lancaster!