“Love yourself first and let the others catch up.”

Ceyenne Doroshow, Trans Rights Activist

June is the month we honor and learn about LGBTQ+ pride. Pride events are held to celebrate our community and recognize the impact LGBTQ+ community have had in the world. But while we celebrate, we also need to pause and remember that for many, coming out and telling our truth is scary.

This month’s RCCS Tidbit reminds us that pride and coming out are not just for members of LGBTQ+ community. We all have parts of ourselves that we hold close and share only with a few trusted friends, if at all. We all have a coming out story that we may choose to tell. Our unique stories and identities combined with acceptance and love is what the rainbow flag symbolizes. This month, tell your story, stand in your truth, and celebrate love.

RCCS Tidbit of the Month: Uniqueness

A component of the Five Awarenesses of the RCCS Program Culture

Original LGBT Flag colors from 1978

The debuted at the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 1978. While there have been many versions over the years, the colors represent the values of solidarity, healing, sunlight, nature, serenity, and spirit. The rainbow flag stands as a symbol of equality and individuality. Members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community wave the flag to show support and demand inclusion for all.

PROGRESS FLAG DESIGNED IN 2018 BY DANIEL QUASAR

In the RCCS, we highlight uniqueness as a part of our recovery culture. We strive to see people as unique individuals and be aware not to see people in terms of categories or labels. We choose to listen and ask questions and not assume. Finally, we value the diversity of the individuals we work with and serve. These values and behaviors are important to all people and communities.

Practice:

June is the month we stop and honor and learn about LGBTQ+ pride. Pride events are held to celebrate our community and recognize the impact a community has in the world. However, we all have things in our life that we are proud about.

With a partner or in a group, share your answers to the following:

• What is one thing you are most proud of?

• What is one thing you are most proud about yourself?

• What is something you have done in your life that you are most proud about that had a big impact or really helped someone?

We are all unique in small and large ways. And yet, sometimes we struggle to identify our uniqueness. Take a moment to consider:

• What’s one thing that makes you unique?

• What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

• How do you celebrate your uniqueness?

• How are you an ally or supporter of another person’s uniqueness?

Finally, how does your program or team celebrate your clients and members uniquenesses?