Since 2000, June has been known as LGBT Pride Month. Former President Bill Clinton deemed the month of June, “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.” The month was chosen to commemorate a riot in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan that is thought to be the beginning of the gay liberation movement in the United States. Additionally, many local Pride Festivals and Pride Parades are held throughout the month.
Just after 3 a.m., a police raid of the Stonewall Inn–a gay club located on New York City’s Christopher Street–turns violent as patrons and local sympathizers begin rioting against the police.
Although the police were legally justified in raiding the club, which was serving liquor without a license among other violations, New York’s gay community had grown weary of the police department targeting gay clubs, a majority of which had already been closed. The crowd on the street watched quietly as Stonewall’s employees were arrested, but when three drag queens and a lesbian were forced into the paddy wagon, the crowd grew violent. The officers were forced to take shelter inside the establishment, and two policemen were slightly injured before reinforcements arrived to disperse the mob. The protest, however, spilled over into the neighboring streets, and order was not restored until the deployment of New York’s riot police. For the next several days, protest occurred throughout New York City in support of the LGBT community.
Gay pride, or LGBT pride, is the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to promote their self-affirmation, dignity, equality rights, increase their visibility as a social group, build community and celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance. It refers to a worldwide movement and philosophy asserting that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Gay pride advocates work for equal rights and benefits for LGBT people.
The movement has three main premises: that people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity, that sexual diversity is a gift, and that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered.
June is now the month of acceptance and the month to welcome diversity in communities regardless of sexual orientation. Gay and lesbian groups celebrate this special time with pride parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those lost from HIV and AIDS, and other group gathering events that attract thousands upon thousands of individuals. This month is meant to recognize the impact Gay, Lesbian and Transgender individuals have had on the world.
LGBT Pride Month is a perfect time to learn your sexual health status. The best way to do this is by having STD testing performed. This will allow you to celebrate safely and without concern about your sexual health. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the use of latex condoms to prevent the spread of STDs and HIV. Remember to celebrate Pride safely and responsibly.
Sources
1 National Women’s History Project
2 LGBT Pride Month Calendar