Pride Month: The History and Radical Resilience of the LGBTQ Community

June is just around the corner. Get ready for rainbows, gay pop anthems, and a flood of queer advertisements that have become synonymous with Pride Month.

While we do hope Kylie Minogue releases another banger for us this year, we also want to highlight the history and activism that laid the foundations of Pride and why it only becomes more prevalent in the culture each year.

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Stonewall Riots - 1969

The genesis of Pride Month can be traced back to the Stonewall Riots of June 1969. At the time, being homosexual was still considered a criminal offense, and establishments that served the queer community were often the subject of raids and violence. In the heart of New York City's Greenwich Village, LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender women of color, rose up against the routine police raids and harassment they faced at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar. The courageous resistance sparked a six-day uprising and became a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

The First Pride Parade - 1970

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A year after the Stonewall Riots, the LGBTQ+ community in New York commemorated the event with the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, which would later evolve into the annual Pride Parade. This march marked a crucial step towards visibility and unity, inspiring similar events worldwide.

The gay rights movement spread throughout the 70s and 80s across the globe. Every June, there would be parades in solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community and the unjust hardships they faced. On these days, LGBTQ+ individuals and allies came together to demand equality, dignity, and recognition.

The AIDs Crisis - 1980s and 1990s

Throughout the 80s and 90s, the queer community was faced with the devastation from the AIDS epidemic. During this time, leaders and activists of the community suffered from HIV including Marsha P. Johnson who became one of the most prominent leaders advocating for LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and gay rights. Amidst the grief of the crisis, Pride took on a new dimension as activists fought for healthcare, support, and an end to discrimination.

Pride Milestones

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The turn of the millennium brought new opportunities and achievements for the LGBTQ+ community. With more visibility in mainstream media with shows like “Will & Grace” and “Modern Family” and with legal achievements such as the United States Supreme Court's decision in Lawrence v. Texas which struck down sodomy laws, decriminalizing same-sex sexual activity nationwide, Pride's resilience became undeniable.

Looking Ahead

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Reflecting on the journey of Pride, we celebrate the victories won and the challenges the LGBTQ+ community still face. While it is a time to celebrate sexuality and be proud of how far the movement has come today, we must still recognize the regional and international discrimination still prevalent. According to The Trevor Project's 2023 survey, 41 percent of LGBTQ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. Specifically, young people who are transgender, nonbinary, and/or people of color reported higher rates than their peers. The survey also noted that 1 in 3 LGBTQ youth said their mental health was poor most of the time or always due to anti-LGBTQ policies and legislation.

Celebrating Pride is inherently radical. In a world where discrimination, prejudice, and violence persist, embracing Pride is an act of defiance against oppressive norms and a declaration of self-love, self-expression, and self-determination. As we honor the legacy of Pride Month and continue the fight for equality and justice, let us remember that celebrating Pride is more than just parties and poppers—it is about embracing our authenticity, affirming our humanity, and standing boldly in our truth. In doing so, Pride will pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Pride Event Calendar for 2024

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IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association has an active calendar of international Pride events that you can find here.

If you want to check out more local events, check out local LGBTQ+ associations and communities in your area. We've highlighted a few notable city events below.

Other Gay Pride Calendars:

Links:

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April 29, 2024
Tags: LGBTQ Personal Lubricant Pride
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