Every June, people across the globe come together to celebrate Pride Month – an annual commemoration of the influential Stonewall riots and a recognition of the vast achievements and continuing struggles of the LGBTQ+ community.
As rainbow flags proudly wave and vibrant parades fill the streets, Pride serves as an empowering reminder of how far LGBTQ+ rights have progressed and the work still left to be done.
The History and Origins of Pride Month
The origins of Pride trace back to the early hours of June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. Police carried out one of their routine raids on the Greenwich Village gay bar, which sparked an uprising as patrons fought back against the discrimination and harassment they regularly endured. This event marked a major turning point, igniting the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States and around the world.
On June 28, 1970, one year after the Stonewall riots, thousands of people gathered in New York for the first-ever Gay Pride march, leading to annual LGBTQ+ marches and celebrations across the country. Over time, more cities began commemorating the Stonewall anniversary in June with their own Pride events.
The Evolution of Pride Month
n 1999, President Bill Clinton officially declared June as “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month,” and in 2009 President Barack Obama furthered the recognition by declaring it “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.”
As progress was made through landmark Supreme Court rulings and the overturning of discriminatory laws, Pride shifted into joyful celebrations of LGBTQ+ identities, relationships, and families.
Parades, marches, parties, and concerts enable LGBTQ+ individuals to be open, expressive, and unabashedly proud of who they are. Pride has become a worldwide movement embracing LGBTQ+ history, culture, and the ongoing push for equal rights.
While there have been major strides in LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, challenges still remain. Discrimination, hate crimes, and unequal treatment persist in many areas. For many LGBTQ+ youth, simply being their authentic selves can be extremely difficult or even dangerous without supportive communities.
Pride events remind the world that there is more work to be done in the realm of education, healthcare, housing, employment, and a myriad of intersecting social justice issues.
The Importance of Pride Month
Beyond the parties and parades, celebrating Pride Month holds immense cultural significance and personal meaning for the diverse LGBTQ+ community. It provides spaces for individuals to connect, find support, gain visibility, build community, and honor the legacy of activists who paved the way.
For LGBTQ+ youth, events can foster courage and open their eyes to the vastness of the community.
Pride Month shines a spotlight on the hardships LGBTQ+ people continue to face due to ongoing prejudice and lack of legal protections.
It’s a vital time to uplift LGBTQ+ voices, advocate for equitable policies, and demand meaningful social change. Pride is a movement that touches every facet of society, calling us to live out values of inclusion, acceptance, and human rights for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Ways to Contribute and Get Involved
There are plenty of meaningful ways to participate in Pride beyond attending parades and parties. Some suggestions include:
- Support and get involved with local or national LGBTQ+ organizations through volunteering or donations
- Attend Pride events focused on education and intersecting social justice issues
- Support and buy from LGBTQ+ owned businesses, artists, and creators
- Read books, watch films, and learn about LGBTQ+ history and experiences
- Be an advocate by calling out discrimination, using proper pronouns, and standing up for LGBTQ+ rights
- Vote for politicians and policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights and legal protections
- Share information, resources, and advocacy opportunities online and within your community.
Ultimately, Pride is about celebrating authenticity, building community, fighting for equality, and creating a society where LGBTQ+ individuals are loved, accepted, and empowered to live their truths freely.
Whether this June marks your first introduction to Pride or your 50th, join in and help keep the spirit of activism and inclusion alive.