Pride Month

Origins: The Stonewall Uprising
Pride Month traces its roots to the Stonewall Uprising, a watershed moment in LGBTQ+ history. In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village. At the time, laws criminalizing homosexuality were widespread in the United States, and police raids on LGBTQ+ establishments were common. That night, however, patrons and members of the surrounding community resisted arrest and fought back, sparking several days of protests and clashes with law enforcement. This collective resistance galvanized the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and marked a major shift toward visibility, activism, and demands for equality and justice.

The First Pride Marches

One year after Stonewall, on June 28, 1970, the first Pride marches were held in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. These events, known as the Christopher Street Liberation Day Marches (named after the street where Stonewall Inn is located), commemorated the uprising and called for equal rights and acceptance. New York’s march stretched for about 15 city blocks and drew thousands of participants, setting the foundation for annual Pride events in cities across the country and eventually around the world.

Growth and Recognition

Originally called “Gay Pride Day,” the celebration expanded into a month-long observance as awareness and participation grew. Today, Pride Month includes parades, art exhibits, educational programs, workshops, and memorials for those lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS.

Activist Brenda Howard, sometimes called the “Mother of Pride,” played a key role in organizing the first Pride Week and march in New York City. The term “Pride” was popularized by activist Craig Schoonmaker, who emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and community empowerment.

Official Recognition

In 1999, President Bill Clinton issued the first U.S. presidential proclamation designating June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden later expanded the observance to include the full LGBTQ+ community, officially naming it Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.

Symbols and Global Expansion

The rainbow flag, designed by artist and activist Gilbert Baker in 1978, has become the most recognized symbol of LGBTQ+ unity and diversity. Each color of the flag represents an aspect of the community’s values and experiences, such as life, healing, sunlight, nature, serenity, and spirit.

Pride is now celebrated globally, with parades and events in cities around the world. These celebrations serve as affirmations of identity, remembrance of struggles, and ongoing calls for equality and justice.