DVLF

July is Disability Pride Month... ♿👏 Celebrating the achievements, resilience, and diversity of people with disabilities, while also promoting visibility and continuing conversations about accessibility and inclusion...

Disability Pride Month coincides with the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. This critical legislation advanced civil rights & access for millions of Americans with disabilities.

While Disability Pride Month is not specific to the LGBTQ+ community, many LGBTQ+ leaders and advocates are also part of the disability community - living at an intersection that rarely gets centered in either community's story. Figures like Chella Man - a deaf, genderqueer, transgender artist and activist, and Aaron Rose Philip - a Black, transgender model living with cerebral palsy, serve as powerful examples of intersectionality and resilience.

This month reminds us that true inclusion must recognize and uplift ALL voices.

Disability Pride Flag: What the colors represent...
❤️ Red: Physical disabilities
🧡 Orange: Neurodivergence
💛 Yellow: Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities
💚 Green: Sensory disabilities
💙 Blue: Mental health disabilities
🖤 Black: Mourning lives lost to ableism, violence, neglect; representing protest & solidarity

SAVE THE DATE! 🗓️ July's Our Night Out is headed to The Wayward Philly on Thursday, July 23rd! 🏳‍🌈

Come hang with us for a night of great cocktails, community & some fun...Sounds like the perfect excuse to join us - starts at 6pm...

Specials till 9pm...$10 Tequila Sodas, Statesides, Surfsides & Superlytes + $11 Margaritas & Vodka Sodas + $12 Girard Spritzes

This month's beneficiary is Q***r Run...We'll see you there! 🍻🌈

Pre-register: www.dvlf.org/ournightout

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 NLGJA Scholarships, stewarded by DVLF...We are proud to recognize two outstanding students who represent the future of LGBTQ+ journalism!

Recipient of the Kay Longcope Scholarship: Sreejita Patra

Established through a generous bequest from respected journalist Kay Longcope, with the guidance of her partner, Barbara Wohlgemuth, this scholarship honors Longcope's legacy by supporting LGBTQ+ students of color pursuing careers in journalism & encouraging greater diversity in the media.

Recipient of the Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship: Camryn Bowden

Established in honor of NLGJA founder Leroy F. Aarons, this scholarship carries forward his vision that truthful, inclusive journalism has the power to advance the LGBTQ+ community. The award supports aspiring LGBTQ+ journalists as they pursue careers in journalism & continue the important work Aarons began.

These scholarships reflect a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of LGBTQ+ journalists & strengthening the voices shaping the future of media! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️👏

NLGJA - The Association of LGBTQ Journalists

LAST CHANCE TO HOP ON THE BUS! 🏳️‍🌈⚽️ Join us TODAY, 7/1 for a trip to the FIFA Fan Fest!

Bus pickup is at 2:10pm from City Hall North Apron, and we'll be at the Fan Fest from 3pm-6:30pm...

Limited spots STILL available - https://tinyurl.com/DVLFFIFABus

Today is National HIV Testing Day - a reminder to check in with your health, today and every day... ❤️🌈

Knowing your HIV status is an important part of caring for yourself and your community. Whether it's been a while or it's part of your regular healthcare routine, taking time to get tested is one way to level up your self-love...Own your health. Know your HIV status!

Local Testing Resources...
• Mazzoni Center: mazzonicenter.org
• Philadelphia FIGHT: fight.org
• Bebashi – Transition to Hope: bebashi.org