To Our Beloved Community,

As June arrives, we find ourselves at a vibrant intersection of identity, celebration, and remembrance, where Pride Month and Caribbean Heritage Month meet. Here at The LOFT, we recognize the profound strength that lives at this crossroads, not just for those of us who are part of both the Caribbean and LGBTQ+ communities but for all who find themselves at the crossroads of intersection identities, beliefs and culture..

Being both Caribbean and within the LGBTQ+ community means navigating a journey filled with complexity, one that includes the brilliance of our cultures, the richness of our languages and music, the resilience of our loved ones and communities and at times, the pain of homophobia and transphobia that can exist within our own homes and heritage. But it is exactly at this intersection where we also find unmatched beauty, resistance, and authenticity.

June is not only a time to honor the fierce advocates, trailblazers, and everyday people who have fought and continue to fight for the right to live and love freely. It is also a moment to honor ourselves, for walking this path with courage, for committing to our own happiness, and for holding onto our identities with strength and pride. Pride Month is not just a celebration; it is a declaration of our collective power. Caribbean Heritage Month, too, is a chance to uplift the legacies of those in the diaspora whose identities span oceans and generations, and whose contributions shape our world from the arts to activism.

At The LOFT, our mission is to advocate for, educate, and celebrate LGBTQ+ people in all of our diverse experiences. We believe that embracing intersectionality is essential to building a more just and affirming world. That means creating spaces where everyone within the LGBTQ+ community can feel seen, valued, and safe to be their full selves.

Let this month be a reminder of our shared strength. Let us carry forward the stories of resistance and resilience from our ancestors and elders. And let us continue building bridges between communities, centering joy in the rhythms of our music, the warmth of our gatherings, and the cherished dishes that bring us home and committing to a future where everyone can live with pride, dignity, and belonging.

With love, solidarity and extra peppa sauce

Rickey Richard (He/Him/His) Chief of Staff