June 1 ushers in Pride Month, a vibrant and powerful celebration of the history, culture, and resilience of the LGBTQ community—encompassing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer identities. This month-long observance traces its roots back to a defining moment in LGBTQ history: the first Pride parade, which took place in New York City on June 28, 1970. This event, held exactly one year after the Stonewall Riots, was simultaneously mirrored in Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, marking the beginning of an annual protest march that would grow into a global movement.
But where did Pride Month truly begin, and why does it happen in June? To understand this, we must journey back to a time when simply being LGBTQ was criminalized across much of the United States. Until a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2003, homosexuality was legally condemned, forcing many LGBTQ individuals to meet in secret, often in places primarily designed for straight people. As Briona Simone Jones, an Audre Lorde visiting professor of queer studies at Spelman College, explains, these hidden safe havens were vital for community and connection.
One such sanctuary was the Stonewall Inn, a modest bar located on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. Despite its importance, Stonewall was far from a refuge from harassment. The New York Police Department, particularly the once-feared Public Morals Squad, relentlessly targeted patrons—especially drag queens and transgender individuals. Police enforcement relied on the notorious “three-article rule,” a practice that, while never codified into law, pressured people to wear at least three clothing items matching the gender assigned at birth, under threat of arrest.
Everything changed on June 28, 1969. That night, when police raided the Stonewall Inn, patrons and an increasingly large crowd refused to back down. What began as a raid spiraled into five days of fierce resistance and rioting, from June 28 through July 3. These events ignited the spark for a nationwide civil rights movement dedicated to LGBTQ equality and justice.
Today, more than five decades later, that pivotal night is remembered annually through a month of celebration — filled with parades, marches, colorful flags, and widespread recognition of LGBTQ lives and achievements.
But how did one protest march evolve into an entire month of honor? The road from Stonewall to official acknowledgment was long and arduous. It took 30 years for the federal government to recognize Pride Month formally, which happened in 1999 through a proclamation by President Bill Clinton. Since then, subsequent presidents Barack Obama in 2011 and Joe Biden in 2024 have issued their own declarations, underscoring the importance of celebrating LGBTQ contributions and progress.
The White House’s eventual embrace of Pride Month reflects decades of tireless advocacy, grassroots organizing, and the formation of dedicated groups fighting for gay, lesbian, and transgender rights. Stephen Petrus, director of public history programs at LaGuardia Community College, highlights how this acknowledgment was the result of persistent efforts by countless activists.
For allies wondering how they can meaningfully participate in Pride Month, the answer is clear: education is key. Nicholas Boston, an associate professor of media sociology at Lehman College and the City University of New York, stresses that learning about LGBTQ history and struggles is one of the most powerful ways to show support.
To deepen your understanding, Petrus recommends exploring several valuable resources:
- The digital exhibit “The Battle for Intro. 2: The New York City Gay Rights Bill, 1971-1986,” which chronicles the 15-year struggle to pass crucial legislation.
- Jim Downs’ book, “Stand By Me: The Forgotten History of Gay Liberation,” offering insight into how LGBTQ communities found refuge in churches and other institutions.
- Lillian Faderman’s “The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle,” a comprehensive narrative of the fight for gay rights.
Pride Month is much more than festivities; it’s a living reminder of resilience, courage, and the ongoing quest for equality. Understanding its origins and significance helps allies and supporters join the celebration in a way that honors the past and inspires progress for the future.
