Each Tuesday in June, PFLAG National invites viewers to tune into a new series, "What Makes Pride." Through a moderated discussion with host Melissa Harris-Perry, each episode will highlight the work of Queer and Trans BIPOC organizations and leaders from across the nation.

"What Makes Pride" has a simple yet direct mission: to host discussions that confront hatred, white supremacy, and patriarchy in order to examine what Pride really means. In light of the last 12 months' unrest, the pandemic, and the rise of white supremacy across the nation, the series aims to bring QTBIPOC community leaders who "embody Pride in 2021" and their work into the spotlight.

Episodes will premiere every Tuesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Pacific. Go to pflag.org/whatmakespride to watch, or find each episode via @pflag on Instagram (IGTV).

The June 1 kickoff episode is hosted Jay Walker, co-founder of the Reclaim Pride Coalition, which organizes the now-annual Queer Liberation March in New York City (set for June 27 this year). The latter half of the episode introduces Taylor Alxndr, the executive director of Southern Fried Queer Pride. The discussion covers the purposes and history of BIPOC Pride organizations and rallies in the United States, intersectionality, and the paradoxes of the parade.

Episodes to follow will tackle housing justice, incarceration, and the institutions of community and family. These themes and the lineup of experts highlight the importance of firsthand knowledge and storytelling in LGBTQ+ allyship.

PFLAG National Executive Director Brian K. Bond made a statement regarding the organization's role in the LGBTQ+ community in 2021: "As the nation's largest organization for families and allies of LGBTQ+ people, it's our role to signal boost. 'What Makes Pride' builds on this action and elevates the 'who' behind transformational work.

"I'm excited that so many more people will learn about these incredible organizations and leaders. We're grateful to host Melissa Harris-Perry, the production teams with the Anna Julia Cooper Center and Bellflower Media, Tomu DJ, and especially our wonderful agency, Wear Your Voice, for their work to bring these important conversations to light."