Pride Month is celebrated across the world in various ways.
Starting in the 1970s, Pride has a rich history of over 50 years behind it and is meant to not only be a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community but a movement for their equal rights.
The origin of Pride is tied to the Stonewall Riots in New York, however as years have passed Pride Month has become a global LGBTQ+ liberation movement.
From parades and parties to protests and activism, Pride has something for everyone who wants to get involved, with several events cropping up in cities around the world.
As Pride Month 2022 kicks off, here's a look at the history of Pride as well as how to celebrate it.
What is Pride Month?
Pride Month commemorates the pursuit of equal justice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, as well as celebrating the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Stonewall Riots in June 1969, when police raided Stonewall Inn in New York City, which was a popular gathering place for the LGBTQ community.
Riots began after cops arrested employees and patrons of the bar, with the crowd growing angry, confronting and pelting the police for their actions. These riots, which lasted for five days, became the catalyst of the modern gay rights movement.
What are the origins of Pride Month celebrations?
Though there were instances of people standing up against police harassment of queer people before Stonewall, this was the most well-known uprising that became the beginning of Pride as we know it today.
Prior to Stonewall, New York community organisers including Marsha P. Johnson - known widely as the leader of the Stonewall Riots - Sylvia Rivera, and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, who protested against unjust treatment of the LGBTQ+ community and advocated for legal reform.
The first anniversary of Stonewall in June 1970 was marked by a march in New York to commemorate the uprising as well as to support the rights of queer people.
This later became the Pride March, which people partake in even today and happens around the world now.,
How to celebrate Pride
There are several different ways for you to get involved and celebrate Pride. Some of them are:
- Attend a Pride parade or events - There are a huge selection of Pride events worldwide. Simply pick the ones you're most keen to attend. Raise awareness and celebrate yourself as well as the community.
- Volunteer - Why not give back to the community by volunteering at local LGBTQ+ centres or charities? If you're able to, raise money or donate to a charity of your choice. To find a great charity, try using Charity Navigator.
- Advocacy - Celebrating Pride doesn't have to stop once June is over. Try educating yourself and then others by becoming an advocate for LGBTQ+ issues such as safety and inclusivity in the workplace.
