Pride Month 2023

Every June. Celebrating LGBTQ+ people and raising awareness about their continued struggle against discrimination.

Pride month is a month set out in the year to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. This includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, asexual, non-binary genders and other non-heterosexual sexualities. First held in several US cities in 1970, the original pride parades commemorated the Stonewall Riots that occurred in New York on the 28th of June 1969.

The Stonewall Riots broke out after police raided the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. LGBTQ+ people reacted violently against what was seen as aggressive hostility from the state towards gay people. Since the first parades in 1970, Pride has been about reversing the negative, homophobic treatment of LGBTQ+ people and instead, celebrating their experiences, achievements and rights.

Over half a century, pride months and pride parades have expanded internationally and are now recognised by governments, institutions and businesses around the world.

As you will know, this topic must be approached with care given that you may have students in your class who are LGBTQ+, visible or otherwise. Pride month is simultaneously a month of celebration and of awareness raising. Students should be encouraged to think about both of these aspects.

In terms of celebration, it’s always useful to share examples of past famous LGBTQ+ people. Through this we can show that gay people have always been a part of our societies and their contribution should be celebrated as such. When sharing these stories be sure to find a diverse list including men, women, people of colour, trans people and any other aspects of the LGBTQ+ community you can find. At the same time, it’s important to discuss with students that LGBTQ+ people don’t have to be famous or successful in order to be celebrated. Show students that there are millions of LGBTQ+ people in the UK and around the world.

In terms of awareness raising, telling the story of the Stonewall Riot and preceding pride parades is a great way to begin discussion around the issues and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people. Ask: why were there riots then? What rights and attitude changes were these demonstrations calling for? What was it like then and in the past for LGBTQ+ people? Next, guide discussion towards the present and ask students what has changed between then and now. Has anything gotten better? What continues to be an issue? You could show for example that,  in the UK, the infamous Section 28 laws which intentionally limited the funding of LGBTQ+ community groups were only repealed in 2003. Discuss with students what we can all do to create an accepting, open environment that allows all genders and sexualities to flourish.

Why is June 1 Pride Month?

June is widely recognized as Pride Month, which is a month-long celebration and observance of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other identities) community. Pride Month has historical significance and serves as a platform for raising awareness, promoting equality, and celebrating the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Here are some key reasons why June 1 became associated with Pride Month:

1. Stonewall Riots: The catalyst for Pride Month dates back to June 28, 1969, with the Stonewall Riots. The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar located in New York City’s Greenwich Village, was frequently targeted by police raids. On that day, the LGBTQ+ patrons of the bar decided to resist arrest, leading to several days of protests, clashes with law enforcement, and demonstrations against ongoing discrimination and mistreatment. The Stonewall Riots are widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and a catalyst for activism.
2. Anniversary of Stonewall Riots: The anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, June 28th, is historically recognized as a significant date in LGBTQ+ history. The events of the Stonewall Riots and the subsequent organizing and activism that emerged in the following years set the stage for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
3. Pride Parades: In subsequent years, LGBTQ+ communities in various cities organized Pride Parades or Marches around the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. These events were initially protests against discrimination, violence, and unequal treatment faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. They also aimed to promote visibility, pride, and acceptance. Over time, these parades and marches grew in size and popularity, evolving into celebratory events that showcased the diversity, resilience, and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community.
4. Expanding Pride Celebrations: Pride events and celebrations began to spread to other cities and countries, extending beyond June 28th. In many places, the entire month of June became designated as Pride Month, providing an extended period to hold various activities, rallies, workshops, art exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural events that highlight LGBTQ+ experiences and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
5. Global Recognition: Over the years, Pride Month has gained international recognition as a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and raise awareness of the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the progress made in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and the work that remains to be done to achieve full equality and acceptance in societies around the globe.

Today, Pride Month is a time of reflection, celebration, activism, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. It serves as a platform to honor the history, achievements, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and to continue advocating for equal rights, social acceptance, and inclusivity. Pride Month events promote visibility, educate the public, and encourage dialogue on LGBTQ+ issues, fostering a more inclusive and diverse society.

When was pride month created?

Pride Month was not officially “created” on a specific date. It evolved over time as a result of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and the commemoration of significant events in LGBTQ+ history. The observance and celebration of Pride Month emerged gradually through the efforts of LGBTQ+ activists and communities. Here are some key milestones that contributed to the establishment of Pride Month:

1. Stonewall Riots in 1969: The Stonewall Riots, which took place from June 28 to July 3, 1969, in New York City, are considered a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The events at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, marked a turning point in the fight against discrimination and oppression. The following year, on the anniversary of the riots, the first Pride March was held in New York City, which later became known as the New York City Pride Parade.
2. Annual Commemoration: In subsequent years, LGBTQ+ communities organized annual commemorations, events, and marches around the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. These events aimed to highlight LGBTQ+ visibility, advocate for equal rights, and protest against discrimination and violence. Over time, these commemorative events expanded and evolved into what is now known as Pride Month.
3. Expanding Pride Celebrations: Pride celebrations began to spread to other cities and countries, extending beyond the original Pride March in New York City. Various LGBTQ+ communities organized parades, marches, festivals, and cultural events during the month of June and around the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. These celebrations aimed to promote LGBTQ+ visibility, unity, and advocacy for equal rights and acceptance.
4. International Recognition: Pride Month gained international recognition and expanded beyond the United States. LGBTQ+ communities in different countries began organizing Pride events during June to coincide with the celebrations in the United States. Pride Month has become a global phenomenon, with LGBTQ+ communities worldwide observing the month to raise awareness, promote equality, and celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and achievements.

While Pride Month’s origins can be traced back to the Stonewall Riots and subsequent LGBTQ+ rights movements, the exact date or year when Pride Month was officially established is not singularly defined. It has evolved organically over time, shaped by the ongoing struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, and the desire for increased visibility, acceptance, and equal rights.

What does Pride stand for?

The term “Pride” in the context of LGBTQ+ rights and celebrations stands for several interconnected meanings:

1. Pride in Identity: “Pride” represents a positive and affirming feeling of self-acceptance and self-worth for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other diverse sexual orientation or gender identity. It signifies embracing and celebrating one’s authentic self, overcoming societal stigma, and finding empowerment and confidence in one’s identity.
2. Pride in Community: “Pride” also refers to a sense of community and solidarity among LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. It signifies coming together to support and uplift one another, to build networks of support and understanding, and to foster a sense of belonging and acceptance. It represents the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of adversity.

1. Pride in History and Activism: “Pride” acknowledges the historical struggles and ongoing activism for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. It recognizes the achievements, milestones, and sacrifices made by LGBTQ+ activists, advocates, and allies who fought for the rights and dignity of the community. Pride embodies the legacy of activism and the continuous work toward social change and equal rights for all.
2. Pride in Visibility and Representation: “Pride” emphasizes the importance of visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in society. It calls for challenging stereotypes, dispelling myths, and promoting positive narratives about diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Pride encourages LGBTQ+ individuals to be visible and to share their stories, helping to foster understanding, acceptance, and equality.
3. Pride in Celebration: Pride also signifies celebration, joy, and cultural expression. Pride events, such as parades, marches, festivals, and parties, provide opportunities to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities, diversity, and achievements. It allows individuals to express themselves authentically, to feel a sense of belonging, and to share in the celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and community.

Overall, the term “Pride” encompasses a range of meanings, including self-acceptance, community, activism, visibility, and celebration. It represents the affirmation, dignity, and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and serves as a reminder of the ongoing work for equality and inclusion.

Who created Pride flag?

The Pride flag, also known as the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag, was created by artist and gay rights activist Gilbert Baker. Gilbert Baker, who was a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, designed the flag in 1978 as a symbol of pride and unity for the gay rights movement.

Baker was inspired to create a symbol that could represent the diversity and vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community. He wanted a flag that would resonate with people and provide a visual representation of the community’s shared experiences, struggles, and aspirations.

The original Pride flag designed by Gilbert Baker featured eight colors, each with its own symbolic meaning. The colors included hot pink (symbolizing sex), red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), turquoise (magic/art), indigo (serenity), and violet (spirit). However, due to the unavailability of hot pink fabric, it was later removed from the design, resulting in the current six-color flag.

The current design of the Pride flag consists of six horizontal stripes, each representing different aspects of the LGBTQ+ community. The colors are red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), blue (harmony), and violet (spirit). It is a widely recognized symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility, and solidarity, and it is used during Pride Month and LGBTQ+ events around the world.

Gilbert Baker’s creation of the Pride flag has had a lasting impact on LGBTQ+ activism and representation. The flag has become an iconic symbol of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and a visual representation of diversity, acceptance, and pride for the community.