What is LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Who does it celebrate?…
LGBTQ+ Pride Month was created as a way to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. Because the Stonewall Riots took place in June 1969 Pride is held in the month of June. The LGBTQ+ community celebrates a vast number of events during this month. This month is a way to recognize the entirety of the effects LGBTQ+ individuals have had on the world. This month is also a way for LGBTQ+ people to not just celebrate but to also raise political awareness. It is done so by peacefully protesting and shining a spotlight on some of the current issues people from this community face. Pride month is also known for its extravagant parades with attendees that range all the way to 2.5 million. New York’s LGBTQ+ pride parade is one of the best known and hosts the most attendees in the world. LGBTQ+ Pride celebrates everyone within the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a month to cherish all of the many different diverse groups that fall under the LGBTQ+ label. LGBTQ+ Pride month has come a long way since 1969 and has created plenty of new traditions, so it’s important that we continue to raise awareness on the injustices taken place against that community.
LGBTQ+ Activists…
One LGBTQ+ activist that played a main part in the starting of Pride Month is Brenda Howard commonly known as the“Mother of Pride”. She was a bisexual rights activist, feminist, and polyamorist. She organized the first LGBTQ+ pride march. She also created the idea that there should be a week-long series of events/activities revolving around the pride march.
Another LGBTQ+ activist is Marsha P. Johnson, also referred to as the “Rosa Parks of the LGBTQ+ movement”. Marsha was an African-American drag artist and gay man. Marsha was one of the activist that stood up against the mistreatment by the police during the raids that took place in gay bars in 1969. Marsha and her friend, Sylvia Rivera, created STAR; Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries - an organization to support gay and trans individuals who had been left homeless. More information on Marsha P. Johnson can be found at (https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/52981395).
What was the StoneWall Riots…
The Stonewall Riots began on June 28, 1969, where New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, which was a gay club situated in Greenwich Village, New York City. This raid outraged the bar customers and their fellow neighbors due to the rough mistreatment from the police. This mistreatment sparked six long days of protest and violent battles with “law enforcement outside the bar on Christopher Street, in neighboring streets and in nearby Christopher Park. The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world” (See https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/the-stonewall-riots.
LGBTQ+ Events to look forward to in 2021…
The mayor of New York is said to unveil the statue that was created in honor of Marsha P. Johnson this year.
To figure out if a Pride Parade might be held at an area near you check out: https://www.misterbandb.com/gay-pride
#WorkPride dated June 22-26, 2020 - a worldwide conference involving anyone who believes in workplace equality.