What does LGBTQ+ stand for?
LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and Other. Other can include any sexuality and gender identity, including asexual, bigender, genderfluid, homoromantic, and so on into infinity. The LGBTQ+ community is the diverse people that identify with one or more of these genders, sexualities, and romantic attractions.
What does P.R.I.D.E stand for?
P.R.I.D.E stands for People Rallying In Defense of Equality. We chose this acronym as an official name because it reflects our commitment to achieving full rights for LGBTQ+ people through speaking out and having pride in our identities.
Why does P.R.I.D.E exist?
In a state that legislates where transgender people can and can't use the bathroom and makes adoption for same-gender couples "a maze" of restrictions, it's more important than ever to be proud and to be visible. P.R.I.D.E exists because the students of Northwood saw a need for the club; many of their peers were either hostile towards the community or lacked any knowledge about it whatsoever. Thanks to P.R.I.D.E, many students now understand why LGBTQ+ rights are important. Additionally, quite a few students face hostility at home from their families and communities, contributing to the 40% of homeless youth identify who as LGBTQ+ and 42% of transgender people who attempt suicide. P.R.I.D.E provides a safe space for queer students to talk about their experiences and get the love, help, and support they can't get in their households.
What sort of things does P.R.I.D.E do?
Over the course of the year, we hold meetings every Friday in Room 506. At these meetings we often have discussions on current issues, like homophobia or racial intersection, as well as support group for those who are going through difficult situations at home or in the community. We hold service projects, including a clothing drive for gender nonconforming/transgender youth and a movie night for the LGBTQ+ Center of Durham. We connect with other clubs in Chatham County and send delegations to events like the Durham Pride Parade and Queer Prom. We also work in activism at Northwood through poster campaigns and projects like the petition for all-gender bathrooms.
Who runs P.R.I.D.E?
Club meetings are monitored by one or more of our wonderful advisors Ms. Hayden, Ms. Roper, and Ms. Norris. They are student led and facilitated. The leadership process is quite democratic; anyone who wants to lead a meeting can lead a meeting, and anyone who has attended five or more meetings can vote in the club elections. We vote in the spring, at the end of the school year, and new officers begin leading in the fall.
How can I join P.R.I.D.E?
To become a member, you must do two or more of the following things:
- Attend five consecutive meetings
- Attend two events (this includes movie nights, service projects, and other non-school events)
- Be elected officer
I'm not gay (or transgender, or pansexual, or aromantic, et al.) Can I still become a member?
Absolutely! As long as you support the LGBTQ+ community and keep the Golden Rule, you are welcome to come by anytime. If you'd like to find out more about your role as a straight/cisgender ally, click here to learn more about how you can help the community.