June 1 marked the beginning of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Pride Month in the United States, which is celebrated annually in June to honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. In June 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising against the frequent police harassment and persecution of LGBTQI+ individuals. While the gay rights movement in the United States dated back to at least the 1920s, the Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement, sparking a new generation of activists to fight against laws and practices that discriminated against LGBTQI+ Americans. The nation’s first Gay Pride marches were held a year after the Stonewall Uprising. In 2016, the area around the Stonewall Inn was designated a national monument.
Today, Pride Month events in the United States attract millions of participants from around the world; celebrations take many forms, including parades, parties, workshops, symposia, and concerts. Additionally, memorials for members of the LGBTQI+ community lost to HIV/AIDS and hate crimes often occur during Pride Month.
In his May 31, 2022 address to commemorate the beginning of Pride Month, President Biden stated: “This month, we honor the resilience of LGBTQI+ people, who are fighting to live authentically and freely. We reaffirm our belief that LGBTQI+ rights are human rights. And we recommit to delivering protections, safety, and equality to LGBTQI+ families so that everyone can realize the full promise of America.”
Additional Resources:
- President Biden’s Proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Pride Month
- NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project – Stonewall Inn: More information on the Stonewall Uprising
- It Gets Better Project: Nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ youth around the globe.
- ACLU: Legislation Affecting LGBTQ Rights Across the Country