The History of PRIDE Month
Origins and Early Beginnings of PRIDE
As I begin to write about PRIDE on the suggestion of one of my colleagues, two things come to mind:
One: we have so many patients from the LGBQT community, all of whom we as a clinic welcome each day.
Two: I have never before thought about the origins of the PRIDE movement and feel moved by the long history of campaigning for civil rights and equal rights across the world.
SO where did it all begin?
Stonewall Riots (1969):
The history of PRIDE Month can be traced back to the Stonewall Riots, which began on June 28, 1969, in New York City.
The riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village.
The Stonewall Riots are often considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
First Pride Marches (1970):
The first Pride marches were held on June 28, 1970, marking the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
The events took place in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, celebrating the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and demanding further action.
Growth and Formalization:
Over the years, the number of cities hosting Pride events grew, and the concept of celebrating LGBTQ+ pride in June became more widespread.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Pride events began to take on more structured forms, with parades, festivals, and various community activities.
Official Recognition and Expansion:
President Bill Clinton (1999-2000):
President Bill Clinton was the first U.S. president to officially recognize June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in 1999 and 2000.
President Barack Obama (2009-2016):
President Barack Obama expanded the official recognition to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month from 2009 to 2016, acknowledging the broader spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community.
Significance of PRIDE Month
Awareness and Visibility:
PRIDE Month serves to raise awareness about the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community.
It brings visibility to issues such as discrimination, violence, and inequality faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Celebration and Affirmation:
It is a time for celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of the LGBTQ+ community within our societies.
PRIDE events foster a sense of community, belonging, and affirmation for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Advocacy and Progress:
PRIDE Month is an opportunity to advocate for continued progress in LGBTQ+ rights and social acceptance.
It provides a platform for discussing ongoing issues, such as marriage equality, transgender rights, and anti-discrimination laws.
Global Celebration and Recognition
Widespread Celebration:
PRIDE Month is celebrated in many countries around the world, with large and vibrant events in cities like London, Sydney, Toronto, and São Paulo.
Each country and city may have its own traditions and ways of celebrating, but the core values of pride, visibility, and advocacy remain central.
Countries That Do Not Celebrate PRIDE Month:
Legal and Social Barriers:
In some countries, PRIDE Month is not officially recognized or celebrated due to legal restrictions, social stigmas, or governmental opposition.
Countries with stringent anti-LGBTQ+ laws, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia, often suppress PRIDE events and LGBTQ+ activism.
Emerging Movements:
In other countries, PRIDE celebrations may be emerging but face significant challenges. Activists in these regions work under difficult conditions to promote LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
Cultural and Political Context:
The celebration of PRIDE Month is influenced by the cultural and political context of each country.
In places where LGBTQ+ rights are more advanced, PRIDE Month may be widely celebrated and supported by various sectors of society, including governments and corporations.
In more conservative or authoritarian regimes, LGBTQ+ individuals and allies may face significant risks when organizing or participating in PRIDE events.
Conclusion
PRIDE Month is a globally significant event that commemorates the struggles and celebrates the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. While its recognition and celebration vary across different countries, it remains a powerful symbol of resilience, advocacy, and the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance worldwide.
The core human trait of judging others who are ‘different ‘ in any way- in this case different sexual orientation or identification- is something we can all reflect on day to day and ask, “ What would things be like without this judgement?
Happy PRIDE everyone!