Pride Month: History and Importance
What is it?
Pride Month is a yearly celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and their prominence and contribution to history and society.
History
1969: The Stonewall Riots (AKA Stonewall Uprising/Rebellion) – Catalyst for the Gay Rights Movement; began when police raided the Stonewall Inn – a gay bar – in New York City and violently dragged out people from the bar. This led to protests and riots outside the bar for the next six days. This is the reason why June was selected as Pride Month.
1970: For the one year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, thousands of people flocked to New York City to march from the Stonewall Inn to Central Park. This day became known as Christopher Street Liberation Day. This was the nation’s very first Pride Parade. A chant that was repeated during the march was “Say it loud, gay is proud.”
2000: President Bill Clinton designated June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.
2009: President Barack Obama changed Gay and Lesbian Pride Month to the more inclusive title, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.
2016: President Barack Obama dedicated the Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park, and the 7.7 acre area surrounding the site as a national monument to the history that occurred there and the site’s importance in the history of Gay Rights.
Why it is Important to Support the LGBTQ+ Community
There is constantly oppression and repression seen in the LGBTQ+ Community in all countries. Pride parades are facing anti-gay violence and hate crimes ensue, and a myriad people receive threats every year. All people have the right to love and deserve to love whoever they may desire. Hate has no place in our growing society.
LBGTQ+ teens are one of the most vulnerable groups – many are ostracized, bullied, faced with mental illness, and not supported by their loved ones. From the Trevor Project’s survey, it was found that 45% of LGBTQ+ youth considered attempting suicide in 2022, 14% of LGBTQ youth attempted suicide in the past year, and 60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care in 2022 were not able to get it. This is a serious issue. LGBTQ+ teens deserve the right to care, health, and safety.
To anyone who is struggling with their mental health: you belong, you are enough, and you are loved. Mental illness is not a personal failure; it’s okay to not feel okay – you are not alone. It does not make you weak or a burden, it is just a part of you – and that part does not define you. To receive assistance, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the Crisis Text Line, 741741 – text “HELLO.” The National Institute of Mental Health has more information on warning signs and Open Counseling provides a list of international Suicide Hotlines. At the Trevor Project, there’s a hotline supporting LGBTQ+ youth that one could call/text.
There are many ways support the LGBTQ+ community:
Educate yourself
Learn more about the LGBTQ+ Community through research, talking with others, etc. Learn more about queerness, LGBTQ+ history, pronouns, etc.
To families with LGBTQ+ members, here are some resources to educate oneself to best create a safe space for your loved one.
The Family Acceptance Project: “A research, intervention, education and policy initiative to prevent health and mental health risks and to promote well-being for [LGBTQ] children and youth, including suicide, homelessness, drug use and HIV — in the context of their families, cultures and faith communities.”
PFLAG: Has resources to learn more (about the LGBTQ+ community and how to support a LGBTQ+ loved one), how to support the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement, and personal journey stories.
Provide LGBTQ+ representation
All groups deserve to see them represented in their community, in the media, in art, and their schools – this information is especially important for teachers, professors, and community leaders who create the environment. According to GLSEN, “LGBTQ-inclusion supports a student’s ability to empathize, connect, and collaborate with a diverse group of peers, and encourages respect for all.”
Create an accepting and safe environment/space
Again, it’s important for those in charge of environments to create a place that is accepting, gender-affirming, open, and safe. Whether the environment is a home, school, church, sports-team, or club – a safe space is vital to supporting LGBTQ+ loved ones and friends.
Oregon’s list for creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ foster youths
Western Governors University list for creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ students
Richmond Wellbeing’s list for creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in general
Buy from LGBTQ+ owned businesses!
Many big corporations and companies try to profit off of rainbow-themed “Pride Collections,” but this money doesn’t always directly support the LGBTQ+ Community, hence the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ owned businesses and brands.
MALIN+GOETZ: Founded by the couple Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz. Sells skin care products, candles, hair products, etc.
Kiss my Face: Founded by Steve Byckiewicz and Bob Macleod. Sells bath and soup products, kids skin care, etc.
WristBend: Lesbian-owned; founded by Jenn Hofmann, Serena Christy and Kelly Zimmerman. Sells vibrant wrist-wear and jewelry.
WildFang: Queer-owned business; founded by Julia Parsley and Emma Mcilroy. Sells apparel and accessories.
TomboyX: Queer-owned business; founded by Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez. Sells apparel; has a Gender Euphoria Line, period underwear line, and a Pride Collection!
Bye Gender: Founded by Jason Hill and Samuel Leon and owned by Devin-Norelle; purpose is to help trans individuals afford gender-affirming surgery. The funds go to making sure those of the trans community receive the care they need and deserve!
Support for the LGBTQ+ community is not limited to just June — it goes beyond this month. Everyone deserves to love who they want to. Everyone of all sexualities and identities are beautiful. Love who you want and be who you are. And like Taylor Swift said, “shade never made anyone less gay!”
“It is absolutely imperative that every human being’s freedom and human rights are respected, all over the world.” – Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, former Prime Minister of Iceland and first openly gay head of government
Sources:
Blossom, Priscilla. "29 LGBTQ-Owned Businesses to Support During Pride Month and All Year Long." Reader's Digest, 30 May 2023, www.rd.com/article/lgbtq-owned-businesses/. Accessed 9 June 2023.
"Pride Month 2023." History, 8 May 2023, www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/pride-month. Accessed 9 June 2023.
The Stonewall Inn. thestonewallinnnyc.com/#wherepridebegan. Accessed 9 June 2023.
"Stonewall Riots." History, 31 May 2022, www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/the-stonewall-riots. Accessed 9 June 2023.
The Trevor Project. www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022/. Accessed 9 June 2023.