June is LGBTQ+ pride month. Pride parades are fun and wild and full of rainbows and drag queen galore. Some people see pride as a fun party and celebration, but it is important to remember that it is also a protest. A call for rights. And it's important that we know and remember pride history.
The start of the gay liberation movement in The United States began in New York City with what is now known as the Stonewall Riots. During these riots, members of the LGBTQ+ movement violently protested against police due to brutality rooted by homophobia. This event, while violent, paved the way for the modern fight for LGBTQ+ rights in The United States. We still have a long way to go, but so many advances have been made in regards to gay rights. So, please enjoy this, very brief, history of gay pride in The United States.
June 1970
Gay pride marches appeared in some of the biggest cities. Chicago, LA, and New York all held some of the very first civilized and organized LGBTQ+ protest.
1978
The very first rainbow flag was made in 1978. An artist by the name of Gilbert Baker created the first rainbow flag for a pride parade in san Francisco organized by Harvey Milk. The colors are interpreted to represent the ride range of people who identify as queer.
1979
Pride is takes on Washington! The first National march on Washington for LGBTQ+ rights takes place. Some 75,000-125,000 people marched for said rights.
1990's
Black and Latinx prices began to pop up. The first of these prides was held at a black gay bar in Washington DC.
Now
Today, Pride is celebrated in cities all over The United States, and the World! We still have a lot of work to do, but we are very lucky to live in a world where we can celebrate our differences.
Go out this month and celebrate pride! Wear all the rainbows and glitter you want to! But don't forget its origins, remember what you are there for. Remember all of the people who came before you and fought to make this all possible.
