In the United States, June is LGBT+ Pride Month. LGBT+ Pride Month’s goal is to “recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.”
With that in mind – and along with Aperian Global’s mission to promote diversity and inclusion and building business across boundaries – we’d like to share with you some things you should know about LGBT+ Pride Month in the United States and other commemorations around the world.
LGBT+ Pride Month Honors the Stonewall Riots of June 1969
The month honors the Stonewall Uprising of June 1969, one of the turning points for gay rights in the United States. The Stonewall riots came in the wake of a violent police raid on a Manhattan gay club called the Stonewall Inn; protesting and clashes lasted for several days after the raid.
A year later – on the anniversary of the Uprising – thousands marched for gay rights in the first New York City Pride March. Over the years, events and commemorations spread to cover the entire month of June, with President Clinton issuing the first “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month” proclamation in 1999.
LGBT+ Pride Month is Different Than LGBT+ History Month (in October)
LGBT+ History Month differs from LGBT+ Pride Month. Celebrated in October (along with National Coming Out Day on October 11th), “LGBT+ History Month provides role models, builds community and makes the civil rights statement about our extraordinary national and international contributions.”
Pride Month Features Large Parades and Other Events
The month features a variety of events – everything from parties and concerts to workshops and learning opportunities. Large city parades, though, are generally the most visible elements of LGBT+ Pride Month.
With the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, most city events have gone virtual. Some of these events include:
- A series of virtual workshops, talks, and events from Boston Pride
- The Los Angeles “virtual pride parade,” broadcast in primetime on a local channel
- A “virtual Trans March” worldwide
- The virtual New York City Pride Rally
- A two-day online celebration and rally from San Francisco pride, with thought leadership workshops, speeches, and performances
- Month-long virtual events from Seattle Pride
To find a local event, explore this listing.
Other Countries Around the World Also Celebrate LGBT+ Pride Month
Gay Pride Month celebrations are not limited to the United States. Commemorations and celebrations also happen worldwide, though many countries might not “officially” designate June as Gay Pride Month.
Forbes provides a valuable resource for digital Gay Pride events around the globe here.
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