Pride Month 2024: Revisiting Its History & Celebrating Inclusivity

Pride Month, the global celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and rights, kicks off today, June 1, with events happening worldwide. It is celebrated every June, running this year from Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 30. 

Origins of Pride Month

Pride Month has its roots in the Stonewall riots, a series of protests for LGBTQ+ liberation that began on June 28, 1969. These riots are seen as a key moment in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The first Pride marches were held a year later, in 1970. Official recognition of Pride Month came much later. In 1999, President Bill Clinton declared June "Gay and Lesbian Pride Month." The name was updated to be more inclusive in 2009 by President Barack Obama, who called it "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month."

What is a Pride March?

A Pride march, also known as a Pride parade or LGBT Pride march, is a celebration of LGBTQ+ social acceptance, achievements, legal rights, and pride. These events also serve as demonstrations for legal rights such as same-sex marriage. 

The tradition began with Gay Pride Week in late June 1970, marking the first anniversary of the police raid at New York’s Stonewall Inn, a gay bar. The June 28, 1969, raid led to protests and sparked the movement for LGBTQ+ rights. The first Pride Week featured marches in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, and it has grown ever since. 

Some events fall outside of June, such as Tokyo’s Rainbow Pride in April and a major event in Rio de Janeiro in November. In 1999, President Bill Clinton officially declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.

What’s Being Celebrated?

Pride’s colourful parades and festivals celebrate the progress of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Recently, a federal appeals court ruled that North Carolina and West Virginia’s refusal to cover certain healthcare for transgender people with government-sponsored insurance is discriminatory. In Florida, a settlement allowed teachers to display photos of same-sex partners and keep LGBTQ+-themed books in school libraries. Greece recently legalised same-sex marriage, joining three dozen nations around the world in recognising such unions.

What’s Being Protested?

Despite progress, LGBTQ+ rights face significant challenges globally. In Iraq, heavy prison sentences target gay and transgender people, while Uganda has imposed the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” Over 60 countries have anti-LGBTQ+ laws, leading to an increase in asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East to Europe.

In the U.S., Republican-controlled states have introduced laws targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people. Twenty-five states now ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Other laws prevent transgender girls and women from using bathrooms or participating in sports that align with their gender identity. Many of these laws face legal challenges.

Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal, expressed concern about losing hard-won rights following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade. Jennings highlighted the fear of a rollback of LGBTQ+ rights and announced a $180 million fundraising goal to challenge these anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

 Here are some interesting facts to enhance your Pride Month knowledge:

• Rainbow Flag Extravaganza: The famous rainbow flag, designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, originally had eight stripes, each with a unique meaning, like pink for life and indigo for hope.

• More Than Rainbows: While the rainbow flag is well-known, there are over 20 different LGBTQ+ flags representing various identities within the community.

• Southern Hemisphere Celebrations: In some countries, Pride Month is celebrated in different months. In New Zealand, for example, Auckland celebrates in February, while Christchurch and Wellington celebrate in March.

• Fierce Fashion: Pride parades are known for their vibrant colours, wild costumes, and unique fashion statements, showcasing self-expression and individuality.