The month of June has traditionally been one of celebration for the LGBTQ/SGL community. This year, we acknowledge the grief that may be felt by our community about the cancellation of many of the Pride celebrations due to the pandemic, and the horrifying events which have led to protests around the country calling for the end of systematic violence and oppression of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color). These topics are closely related. The CSPC owes a debt of gratitude to the organizers and participants in the historic Stonewall Riots, without whom we would likely not have any reason to celebrate. The Stonewall Riots were started by a trans woman of color, Marsha P. Johnson. She, and many other pioneers, were trans people who also identified as BIPOC. Their actions and experiences remind us that many times, improving society requires standing up and protesting the denial of our rights as human beings. The CSPC was able to come into existence because of the work of those founding pioneers and was built on the ideas of inclusion and freedom.

The CSPC wishes to express its grief, sympathy and solidarity to the victims and the families of those experiencing racism, oppression and violence. Today, and every day, we stand with our BIPOC brothers and sisters. We stand with those who are engaged in, calling for, and working at the positive and lasting societal changes needed to bring about justice and equality in the wake of hundreds of years of systemic injustice, hatred, oppression, and police brutality surrounding BIPOC. We stand united for change, justice, and equality.