The Austin ISD community gathered Friday to raise the Pride flag at the district’s Central Office. The ceremony celebrated the start of Pride Month and was a physical symbol of the district’s efforts to support all students, staff and community members.

Austin ISD staff and community members, including the Austin ISD Police Department officers, gathered by the front entrance of the district’s Central Office building to celebrate Pride month and cheer as the flag was raised. 

“Today I am joined by members of the LBGTQIA+ Pride Committee and Austin ISD staff to raise the Pride flag,” said Bradley Dusing, member of the LGBTQIA+ Pride Committee. “This symbolic gesture reiterates the district’s commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for Austin ISD students, staff and families.” 

Pride Month, which occurs every June, commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 that served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

Every year, to celebrate LGBTQIA+ students, staff and families, Austin ISD hosts its own Pride Week. This is a time to highlight the district's commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. This year's Pride Week, “Celebrate, Inform and Inspire,” took place April 19–24. It was the most visible Pride Week in AISD history. 

Additionally, AISD has partnered with Out Youth and the Texas GSA Network to debut the Be A Beacon LGBTQ+ 101 and Anti-Bullying professional learning courses to all staff. AISD will also be participating in the Austin Pride Parade on the evening of Saturday Aug. 14. These are all ways to show our community that all are welcome in AISD!  

A special thank you to the following partner organizations: 

The Austin Gay Men’s Chorus for their beautiful musical tribute to AISD Pride. 
The LEAGUE at AT&T for their donation of rainbow masks to all campuses. 
Pride Conference keynote speaker, Rick Miller with gaysonsandmothers.org