June is a LGBT Pride Month. When the world’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) community come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. A month long celebration where people celebrate love, diversity, acceptance and feel proud of who they are. Here are things we need to know about LGBT Pride Month.
WHAT IS LGBT PRIDE MONTH ?
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June. Celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts. LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world.
Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.
HOW IT ALL STARTED ?
It all started in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, 1969. Police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar on Christopher Street in New York City. At that time Cross-dressing was outlawed. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and gender non-conforming people were publicly humiliated. They were often physically harassed, fired from jobs, jailed, or thrown into psychiatric hospitals.
On June 28th, 1969 NYC Police raided the Stonewall gay bar. LGBT+ people were tired of the constant discrimination, violence and police harassment. So they fought back. They were joined by neighborhood residents, and homeless male youths from the adjacent park.
13 people were arrested in total, including three bar staff, three drag queens, and a lesbian. Tensions quickly escalated as Customers resisted arrest and a growing crowd of bystanders threw bottles and coins at the officers. The resistance escalated, and a full riot broke out lasting for six days.
The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world. Organizations such as the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance were formed. The protest also paved the way for the modern fight for LGBT rights.
A year later, the Chicago Gay Liberation organized a march on the last Saturday of June 1970 in commemoration of Stonewall. The very next day a march was held in Los Angeles and New York. These were the first pride parades.
STONEWALL – NATIONAL MONUMENT : Previous U.S. presidents have, on several occasions, officially declared June as LGBT Pride Month. In 2016, President Barack Obama designated Christopher Street, Stonewall Inn, the Park, and the surrounding areas a national monument in recognition of the area’s contribution to gay and human rights.
WHO CELEBRATES LGBT PRIDE MONTH AND HOW ?
Pride events are celebrated by anyone who feels like their gender identity or sexual identity falls outside the mainstream. but it is also celebrated by cisgender and straight ally who equal gender equality, civil rights, and LGBT social movements.
LGBT Pride Month events draw millions of participants from around the world each year. Typically, there are month long celebrations and in-person gatherings that take place across the nation, including pride parades, marches, parties, concerts, workshops and symposiums. Memorials are also often held for members of the LGBT community who have lost their lives to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.
CAN I PARTICIPATE IN PRIDE EVENTS IF I AM NOT LGBT ?
Sure. Pride events welcome allies from outside the LGBT community. There are opportunities to show support, to observe, listen and be educated.
What LGBT Pride Month events will take place this year?
This year’s LGBT Pride Month will be celebrated differently due to the coronavirus pandemic. A number of official events that would normally be held in various cities across the nation throughout the month will now be taking place online.
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