Celebrating Pride Month
At YWCA Delaware, our commitment to peace, justice, freedom, and dignity extends to every person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. This Pride Month, we celebrate the courage, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities while reaffirming our commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
We are proud to stand with LGBTQ+ leaders, advocates, families, and individuals who live authentically and help build a more inclusive world. Pride is both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing work to ensure equity and belonging for all.
That commitment is reflected in the services we provide every day. YWCA Delaware's Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) serves survivors of all identities and backgrounds. From the moment someone reaches out, they will find compassionate, confidential support in a safe and welcoming environment. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone you care about, our advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Need support? Call our 24/7 hotline at 800-773-8570.
This Pride Month and every month, YWCA Delaware remains dedicated to ensuring that all people have access to the support, safety, and respect they deserve.
Pauli Murray (1910 –1977)
Pauli Murray was a pioneering African American civil rights activist, legal scholar, poet, and author. She was a trailblazer in the fight for racial and gender equality, advocating for social justice and justice reform throughout her life. Murray was the first African American woman to earn a JD from Yale Law School and was a co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Her work and writings have had a lasting impact on civil rights, gender equality, and social justice.
Audre Lorde (1934 –1992)
Audre Lorde was a renowned Caribbean-American writer, poet, feminist, and activist. She dedicated her life to exploring issues of race, gender, sexuality, and social justice through her powerful poetry, essays, and speeches. As a self-described "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet," Lorde's work challenged societal norms and advocated for intersectional activism. Her contributions have profoundly influenced feminist and LGBTQ+ movements, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and writers worldwide.
Frida Kahlo (1907–1954)
Frida Kahlo was a celebrated Mexican painter known for her vibrant, surrealist self-portraits and deeply personal artwork. Her paintings often explored themes of identity, pain, and resilience, reflecting her own experiences with health struggles and emotional turmoil. Kahlo’s distinctive style combined elements of Mexican folk art with modernist techniques, making her an iconic figure in art history. Beyond her artistic legacy, she is celebrated as a symbol of strength, individuality, and cultural pride.
Japanese YWCA
The Japanese YWCA building at 1830 Sutter Street in San Francisco, designed by Julia Morgan and completed in 1932, is a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. Originally established by Japanese immigrant women in 1912 to serve their community’s social and service needs, it stands as a rare symbol of Nikkei women’s struggles and achievements in the U.S. Despite segregationist policies preventing ownership, the building was funded by community efforts and donations. Throughout its history, it has played a vital role in advancing civil rights, supporting Japanese Americans during WWII, and fostering social activism, including connections to the African American civil rights and LGBTQ movements. Its architectural significance and rich history reflect the resilience and contributions of Japanese American women and the broader community.