The History and Purpose of Pride Month

Happy Pride from Slick Chicks! It’s been over 50 years since the first Pride Month was celebrated in the United States. Since then, the month-long celebration has been recognized and celebrated all across the globe. Learn more about Pride Month’s beginnings, purpose, and this year’s international and local events below! 

Why is Pride Month recognized in June? 

Pride Month is recognized in June due to the events at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969 in New York City. If you’re not familiar with this historical event, we highly recommend that you explore documentaries and resources such as The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson and Stonewall Uprising to learn more. 

Stonewall Inn was raided on the morning of June 28 under the pretext of operating without a liquor license. It wasn’t uncommon for police to raid gay bars during that time and growing tensions between the police and the occupants of the Stonewall Inn before the raid that night added fire to the rebellion. The clientele of the Stonewall Inn that night chose to fight back in those early morning hours and resisted arrest. Leaders such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were prominent figures in the uprising and helped to encourage other clientele to resist arrest. The Stonewall Rebellion went on for six days and helped to spark the LGBTQIAP+ civil rights movement in the United States. New York City's first Pride parade, the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, was held a year after the events at Stonewall to commemorate the uprising. 

The Purpose of Pride Month

The purpose of Pride Month is to celebrate the acceptance of various identities across the LGBTQIAP+ community and to remember the sacrifices made by members of the LGBTQIAP+ community of the past. These Pride Month events and celebrations are to remember the impact of the Stonewall Rebellion and the activists who put their lives at risk to lead those protests.

Find Pride Events Near You! 

Please keep in mind that Pride parades and events are opportunities for everyone to show support, educate, and learn from each other. These parades and events should be safe spaces for all. Below are three resources to help you find Pride events in your local area. Stay safe, informed, and have a Happy Pride Month! 

• GayCities Pride Finder

• GayPrideCalendar’s World Gay Pride Calendar

• Interpride’s Global Pride Calendar