This month has celebrated LGBTQ+ pride, which commemerates those who were involved in the Stonewall Riots, which were the protests that changed gay rights for a lot of people in America and beyond. It’s all about people coming together in love and friendship, to show how far gay rights have come, even if in some places there’s still some work to be done.
History of Pride
In New York on June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village, which resulted in bar patrons, staff, and neighborhood residents rioting onto Christopher Street outside. Among the many leaders of the riots was a black, trans, bisexual woman, Marsha P. Johnson, leading the movement which was to continue over six days with protests and clashes. The message was clear — protestors demanded the establishment of places where LGBT+ people could go and be open about their sexual orientation without fear of arrest.
Pride Month is largely credited as being started by bisexual activist Brenda Howard. Known as ‘The Mother of Pride,’ Brenda organized Gay Pride Week a year after the Stonewall Riots. This eventually morphed into the New York March and was the catalyst for the formation of similar parades and marches across the world.
Bill Clinton was the first U.S. President to officially recognize Pride Month in 1999 and 2000. Then, from 2009 to 2016, Barack Obama declared June LGBT Pride Month. In May 2019, Donald Trump recognized Pride Month with a tweet announcing that his administration had launched a global campaign to decriminalize homosexuality, although critics have noted that actions speak louder than words.
The New York Pride Parade is one of the largest and most well-known parades to take place, with over 2 million people estimated to have taken part in 2019.
Pride month traditions
Pride Month is for everyone to embrace who they are and let the world know! The rainbow signifies the colorful activities and flavors of the month-long celebration. These include massive rallies, pride parades, parties, workshops, concerts, and countless more LGBTQ+ events to attract participants from all over. The Pride community takes huge pride in their movement, going all out for the festivities with elaborate costumes, makeup, and, of course, glitter!
Commemorations and memorials are also held for members of the community who have lost their lives to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS.
Campaigns and rallies aim to promote and preserve the history and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
Pride month by numbers
52% – the percentage of LGBTQ people who’ve experienced depression recently.
1 in 8 – the number of LGBTQ people who have experienced unequal treatment from healthcare staff.
46% – the percentage of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people who are open about their sexual orientation with their family.
4.1% – the estimated percentage of women who identify as LGBT.
350,000 – the number of people in the LGBTQ community that are transgender women.
1 in 5 – the number of LGBTQ women living in poverty.
43% – the percentage of LGBTQ employees who haven’t revealed their orientation at work.
50% – the percentage of LGBTQ workers who recently got federal protection from discrimination.
10% – the amount of time LGBT workers spend hiding their identities.
<$12,000 – the annual income earned by 22% of LGBTQ people.