The start of June marks the beginning of Pride month around the U.S. and some parts of the world, a season intended to celebrate the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ communities and to protest against attacks on hard-won civil rights gains.
June has been an important month for the LGBTQ+ rights movement since New York City’s first Pride march – then dubbed the “Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day” march – on June 28, 1970.
That event marked an act of defiance from the year before, a 1969 uprising at New York City’s Stonewall Inn. After a police raid at the gay bar, a crowd partly led by trans women of color channeled their anger to confront authorities. It was a catalyst to what became a global movement for LGBTQ+ rights.
For more than a half-century, the annual marches have been an opportunity to demand action on specific issues such as the AIDS epidemic and same-sex marriage while also serving as a public celebration.
The month of pride and celebration comes at a time when there is deep concern about growing hate speech and new restrictions that impact the community.
“There are over 500 anti LGBTQ+ laws being proposed this year alone and we’re only halfway through the year,” said NYC Pride co-chair Sue Doster.
This year’s theme for the NYC Pride March is Strength in Solidarity.
“It was very important to us to emphasize the importance of solidarity and standing up for those who may not be able to stand up for themselves,” Doster said.
What month is Happy Pride Day?
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan.
