When thinking about LGBTQ Pride month, the first thing that may come to mind is the display of beautiful rainbow flags, exciting events, and messages of love and support. But do you know how this month got its start?
Over 50 years ago – yes, the time before smartphones and before the Beatles broke up – there was an event called the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. On June 28, 1969, New York police raided a gay club called the Stonewall Inn. This was not abnormal, as police raids of gay bars and other hangouts were common (and continue to this day). But on that June morning, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn decided enough was enough.
The patrons of the Stonewall Inn stood up against police and refused to accept this discriminatory and violent treatment. This encounter led to a six-day protest about the unfair treatment of the LGBTQ community by New York City police and the first gay pride parades. The Stonewall Riots are now known for being a catalyst for Pride month today.
While we can and should celebrate the LGBTQ community, Pride is about far more than rainbows. It’s about a community who quite literally fought back against discrimination. It’s about refusing to be ashamed of who we are and celebrating the fabulous diversity of our LGBTQ family. But it’s also about recognizing how far we have to go and what we need to continue to fight for as members of the community and as allies.
This Pride month, honor the patrons of the Stonewall Inn by advocating and supporting members of the LGBTQ community and by standing up against injustice when you see it happening around you. And remember to show your #pride all year round!