Every year in June, the world becomes infinitely more colorful, with the wave of rainbow flags flying to celebrate Pride Month.
Parades, concerts, and parties are just some of the ways millions of people come together to mark this occasion.
June is an important month for the LGBTQIA+ community, but have you ever wondered why? If you’re curious about why Pride Month is celebrated in June, read on to find out more.
What is Pride Month?
Pride Month is an annual occasion that raises awareness of the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community. People use this opportunity throughout the month of June to stand in solidarity with the gay, lesbian, transexual, bisexual, and queer communities.
Pride Month began in the United States and has spread to every continent in the world. People come together yearly to mark this month of recognition, and during Pride Month, millions of people take to the streets to join pride parades in celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Events are hosted to teach people more about the history of these communities and why civil rights are so important.
Why is Pride Month celebrated in June?
You might wonder why June has been chosen as the month of pride for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The answer comes from a historic moment on June 28, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York. The Stonewall Inn bar was a popular place for young LGBTQIA+ people to spend time together, being themselves.
During the 1960s, there was a lot of stigma and discrimination toward LGBTQIA+ people worldwide. In the United States, gay bars were often raided by the police, and same-sex relationships were illegal.
Typically, bystanders would watch and take no action as police harassed peaceful people simply for being gay or associated with the LGBTQIA+ community.
But this time was different. As the police arrested employees and forced patrons out of the Stonewall Inn, passersby threw coins, debris, and bottles at the police.
Around 400 people started rioting, and the protests only gained more momentum over the next five days.
These became known as the Stonewall Riots, sparking a fresh wave of activism in the United States for LGBTQIA+ rights.
What was the impact of the Stonewall Riots?
This turning point in LGBTQIA+ history was a catalyst for change. The campaign for LGBTQIA+ rights was already well underway before the Stonewall Riots began, but now it had a boost of support and energy.
Organizations such as the Gay Liberation Front and the Human Rights Campaign were established.
The following year, on June 28, 1970, thousands of people joined the first pride parade in America. They marched together chanting, “Say it loud, gay is proud.”
Pride parades have since become well-known annual events across the United States.
Around the world, major cities such as Sydney, Toronto, Jerusalem, and Madrid host parades and events in support of LGBTQIA+ pride.
In 2016, President Barack Obama declared the Stonewall Inn a national monument to recognize its role in advancing gay rights.
When did Pride Month become official?
In 1999, President Bill Clinton designated June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. Under Barack Obama’s presidency, it became known as LGBT Pride Month in 2009.
More recently, in 2021, President Joe Biden announced that June would be known as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month. The U.S. Government and many other institutions mark this annual occasion.
As well as Pride Month, people also celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month in October. It was first celebrated in 1994 and was the initiative of a group of educational leaders and organizations in the United States.
LGBTQIA+ History Month celebrates the achievements of LGBTQIA+ icons and encourages people to learn more about the movement’s history.
How can you celebrate Pride Month?
Whether you want to fly a beautiful rainbow flag or learn more about the history of Pride Month, there are many ways to celebrate.
You may find events and parties in your area that members of the LGBTQIA+ community host.
You don’t need to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community to get involved in Pride Month, either! There are endless ways to be an ally, from joining parades to attending LGBTQIA+-themed shows and movies.
It is also an opportunity for businesses to consider practical changes they could make for LGBTQIA+ employees.
For example, companies could educate their staff on the use of inclusive language in the workplace (e.g., “hi all,” not “hi guys”) or normalize the use of pronouns in email signatures.
Simple changes like this can make those in the LGBTQIA+ community feel more accepted and included.
In Conclusion
People worldwide come together every year in June to celebrate the progress and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride Month isn’t just about having fun, partying, and being generally just fabulous – it’s a time to stand strong and educate governments, businesses, friends, and family to create a safer and more accepting world for LGBTQIA+ people.
We celebrate Pride in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. This month serves as a reminder of the community’s resilience and the ongoing struggle for equality.
So, the next time you see a Pride parade marching through your city, remember the challenging history and the reason we celebrate Pride in June!
