The Stonewall Riots are commemorated just before the annual LGBTQ Pride Month in June. We’re getting ready to dust off our rainbow flags, drench ourselves in glitter, and join the party. Parades, festivals, and concerts are happening all over the world, so you can always find a way to get involved – and learn some important social history.
WHAT DATE IS LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH 2021?
Pride Day celebrated on June 28 as a sub-holiday during Pride Month. In 1970, the first pride march in New York City was held on this date. As a result, different communities observe Pride Day at different times during June.
In 2019, over 2 million people were estimated to have attended the New York Pride Parade, one of the largest and best-known parades in the world.
LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH HISTORY
As a result of a police raid at Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village on June 28, 1969, bar patrons, staff, and local residents rioted on Christopher Street. A black, trans and bisexual woman, Marsha P. Johnson, was one of the leaders of the riots. She led the movement to continue over six days with protests and clashes. Demonstrators demanded that LGBT+ people be able to openly express their sexual orientation without fear of arrest in places where they would be safe.
Brenda Howard, a bisexual activist, is widely credited with starting Pride Month. In the year following the Stonewall Riots, Brenda created the Christopher Street Liberation Day parade and Gay Pride Week. Eventually, the event evolved into what we know as the New York City Pride March, which inspired similar marches and parades around the world.
Regarding the rainbow flag, it was gay politician Harvey Milk who asked his designer friend, Gilbert Baker, to create an all-encompassing symbol to take to San Francisco’s Pride March in 1978. Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone assassinated on November 23, 1978, at San Francisco City Hall by Dan White, a disgruntled former supervisor who was angry with Milk for lobbying against having him reappointed to the Board of Supervisors.
First president of the United States, Bill Clinton. In 1999 and 2000, the President officially recognized Pride Month. Then, between 2009 and 2016, Barack Obama designated June as LGBTQ Pride Month. A tweet from Donald Trump on May 2019 announced the launch of a global campaign to decriminalize homosexuality, but critics note word alone is not enough.
TIMELINE FOR PRIDE MONTH
Founded in 1946, the first LGBT organization
The Netherlands Center for Culture hides its taboo purpose behind a vague name.
Stonewall Riots of June 28, 1969
Stonewall Riots erupted when NYPD officers raided the Stonewall Inn.
First Pride Parade, June 28, 1970
In this parade, supporters march from Greenwich Village to Central Park organized by pioneering bisexual activist Brenda Howard and a committee she put together.
The Rainbow Flag Flies High on June 25, 1978
A rainbow pride flag originally designed by Gilbert Baker flies at San Francisco Gay Freedom Day.
Same-Sex Marriage: June 26, 2015
All 50 states in the United States now recognize same-sex marriage.
PRIDE MONTH TRADITIONS
The purpose of Pride Month is for everyone to embrace who they are and let the world know! Rainbows are a fitting symbol for the colorful activities and flavors of this month-long celebration. Among these are massive rallies, pride parades, parties, workshops, concerts, and countless other LGBTQ+ events to attract participants from all over. As part of their pride celebrations, the Pride community digs into elaborate costumes, makeup, and, of course, glitter so that they sparkle for all to see!
The community also holds memorials for members who have died of hate crimes and HIV/AIDS. A campaign or rally aims to promote and preserve the history and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH BY THE NUMBERS
- 52% of LGBTQ people have experienced depression recently.
- One out of eight LGBTQ people have experienced unequal treatment from healthcare professionals.
- There is a 46% openness rate among lesbians, gays, and bisexual people with their families in the United States.
- Approximately 4.1% of women identify as LGBT.
- There are 350,000 transgender women in the LGBTQ community.
- One in five LGBTQ women live in poverty.
- There are 43% of LGBTQ workers who have yet to reveal their orientation.
- 50 % of LGBTQ workers have recently protected from discrimination by the federal government.
- Approximately 10% of LGBT workers hide their identity.
- <$12,000 – the annual income of 22% of LGBTQ people.
HOW TO CELEBRATE LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH 2021
Rep your flag!
Make a rainbow, bi, lesbian, pan, ace, or any other flag of your choice and wave it with pride! In the original rainbow flag, eight colors represent different concepts: pink represents sex, red represents life, orange represents healing, yellow represents the sun, green represents nature, turquoise represents magic, blue represents peace, and purple represents spirit. Don’t have a flag? Whether you are wearing your T-shirt, your hairband, or the laces of your shoes, wear your colors. You may even wish to paint your face in the colors that represent your support – be as creative as you like!
Participate in a pride parade
Participate in a pride parade by running, walking, skipping, or dancing. Pride marches are open to anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We encourage you to check what’s happening in your area and join in on the fun!
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