It’s June, which means it’s officially Pride Month!
Pride is celebrated every June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, a series of important protests that took place in New York City in 1969. These events became a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States and around the world.
Pride is a celebration of love, friendship, acceptance and equality. It is a time for people to come together, recognise how far LGBTQ+ rights have progressed, and acknowledge that there is still work to be done in many places.
LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or Questioning. The “+” symbol is used to include people of all identities and experiences that fall within the wider community.
Pride also encourages people to reflect on the impact of homophobia and discrimination, both in the past and today. At its heart, Pride is about being proud of who you are and living authentically without fear of prejudice.
The Meaning and Goals of Pride
Celebration and Visibility
Pride recognises and honours the contributions, resilience and achievements of LGBTQ+ people throughout history and in modern society.
Education
Pride promotes awareness of LGBTQ+ history, culture and the ongoing struggle for legal and social equality.
Inclusivity and Acceptance
Pride encourages a society where everyone can be themselves without fear of discrimination, exclusion or prejudice.
Activism
Pride continues the fight against injustice, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, homophobia and transphobia, while supporting equal rights for all.
Why is Pride Celebrated in June?
June was chosen to honour the Stonewall Riots. In June 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York. After years of discrimination and frequent raids, members of the LGBTQ+ community fought back, leading to six days of protests and demonstrations. These events are widely regarded as the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The Evolution of Pride
The word “pride” was chosen as the opposite of “shame”. For many years, LGBTQ+ people were made to feel ashamed of their identities because of discrimination, prejudice and unfair laws. Activist L. Craig Schoonmaker helped popularise the term, while Brenda Howard, often known as “The Mother of Pride”, organised the first anniversary marches that helped establish Pride as an annual event.
Pride Month is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about LGBTQ+ history, support LGBTQ+ friends and family members, and celebrate a community built on courage, acceptance and equality.
By Isla Heaney (S3)