LGBTQ+ Pride is celebrated every year in June as way to recognize people of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning communities. Pride month calls for more visibility, equity and support while also recognizing the contributions and hard-won progress for those who identify as LGBTQ+.
We celebrate Pride Month in June because of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City. The Stonewall Inn, a popular bar welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community was raided by police on June 28, 1969. The patrons protested and rioted for days, now known as the Stonewall Uprising. On the one-year anniversary of the uprising, thousands gathered in celebration for the first Gay Pride event. In 1999 President Bill Clinton officially declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.
The rainbow flag is the symbol for Pride Month, created by activist Gilbert Baker. Life, healing, sunlight, nature, serenity, and spirit are represented in each color of the rainbow, each a key aspect of the LBGTQ+ movement. As time goes on, more colors have been added to the flag to recognize historically underrepresented communities including people of color and transgender individuals.
To learn more about Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community check out:
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month | Smithsonian Institution (si.edu)
Celebrate Pride With Us: Without Exception! – Human Rights Campaign (hrc.org)
NewFest Announces Lineup for 4th Annual “NewFest Pride” Summer Film Event | GLAAD
Pride in Action – Pride Blogs, Guides, & Partnerships (thetrevorproject.org)
Understanding Gay & Lesbian Identities: FAQs & Resources (thetrevorproject.org)
Books, Podcasts and Movies:
LGBTQIA+ Book Lists for Pride Month | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
The Ultimate LGBTQ+ Pride Book List | Penguin Random House
The Best LGBTQIA+ Podcasts for Pride Month and Beyond | Audible.com
16 LGBTQ Movies to Watch This Pride Month | TIME
Pride Month Movie Guide: 30 Films By, For and About the LGBTQ+ Community | A.frame (oscars.org)