Why June is celebrated as Pride Month: History and significance

The global celebration of love, diversity, and acceptance—Pride Month—began on Saturday.

Pride Month, celebrated every June, is a vibrant, global tribute to the LGBTQ+ community, honouring love, diversity, and acceptance. The choice of June as the month for these celebrations is deeply rooted in a significant historical event that marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Why Pride Month is celebrated in June?

The primary reason Pride Month is celebrated in June is to commemorate the Stonewall riots, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, was raided by police—a common occurrence at the time. However, this particular raid sparked an unprecedented uprising. Patrons of the bar, along with local residents, fought back against the police, leading to a series of protests and clashes that lasted for several days.

The Stonewall riots are widely considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. They galvanised LGBTQ+ communities across the United States and the world to organize and demand equal rights and protections. The following year, to mark the anniversary of the riots, the first Gay Pride marches were held in New York, Los Angeles, and several other cities, marking the beginning of what would become an annual tradition.

Official recognition: 

The legacy of the Stonewall riots continued to inspire the LGBTQ+ movement, leading to increased visibility and activism. In 1999, President Bill Clinton officially designated June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, further solidifying its importance. This proclamation acknowledged the historical significance of the Stonewall riots and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.

Over the years, Pride Month has grown to encompass a broader celebration of all LGBTQ+ identities, including bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. It is a time for parades, festivals, and various events that highlight the community's culture, history, and contributions. Each year, a specific theme often guides the celebrations, focusing on issues such as inclusivity, equality, and justice.

The Rainbow Flag:

The iconic Rainbow Flag, a universal symbol of the LGBTQ+ community since 1978, represents visibility, hope, and the rich diversity within the community. Created by tailor Gilbert Baker for the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade, the flag's colours each hold a special meaning:

Red: Life
Orange: Healing
Yellow: Sunlight
Green: Nature
Blue (Indigo): Serenity
Purple (Violet): Spirit

Global festivities beyond June:

While June is the heart of Pride celebrations, the spirit of Pride Month extends beyond. Events like Tokyo’s Rainbow Pride in April and Rio de Janeiro’s Gay Pride in November highlight the global reach and continuous celebration of LGBTQ+ pride.