June is Pride Month, a celebration dedicated to the
commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) pride.
Many people associate Pride festivities with colorful parades and marches of pride
and culture, which bring awareness to recent LGBTQ+ rights issues and
victories, such as the legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the US in
2015, and the overturning of California Proposition 8 in 2013. However, the
true origins of Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which
were a series of riots in Lower Manhattan for gay liberation.
During the 1960’s, LGBTQ+ individuals faced widespread
discrimination and harassment. Police
raids on gay bars were common, often leading to arrests and public
shaming. The Stonewall Inn was one of
the few places where the LBGTQ+ community could gather openly. On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall
Inn with the intent to arrest those present.
Patrons and passersby resisted arrest, and the situation quickly
escalated into a series of confrontations that lasted six days. Both the intensity and duration of the
protests were unprecedented for the LGBTQ+ community at the time.
The first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots was marked by
the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, which later evolved into the
annual Pride events held across the US and around the world. Fred Sargeant, the head
organizer of the first marches in New York, stated the goal of the marches was
to commemorate the Stonewall Riots and further push for gay rights. Although
the initial marches were more protest than celebration, they still brought
awareness to numerous LGBTQ+ communities across many different cities. From
there more LGBTQ+ groups made themselves known, as pride marches spread across
the country. In more recent times, pride celebrations are typically held in
June all over the country and even worldwide!
Although the inaugural marches were held in 1970, the
efforts for LGBTQ+ rights in the US date as far back as 1920 with the
foundation of the Society for Human Rights, and the Mattachine Society and
Daughters of Bilitis following World War II. The Mattachine Society organized a
number of demonstrations such as “sip-ins,” where they ordered drinks after
announcing that they are gay during a time when it was illegal to sell alcohol
to gay and lesbian people. The Daughters of Bilitis, published a series of gay
and lesbian-positive newsletters, and protested against discriminatory
practices against gay and lesbian people. Although the progress in this time
period was minor until the Stonewall Riots and the Civil Rights Movement, these
groups are proof that the LGBTQ+ community have a culture that is just as
storied and important to US and world culture as any other group.
In modern times, Pride Month has evolved. In June 2000, President Bill Clinton
declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month to recognize LGBTQ+ activism.
Later, President Barack Obama renamed the designation to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender Pride Month in order to be more inclusive. Given all the
recognition and advancements of LGBTQ+ rights, there are still many places
where these rights are threatened, denied, or outright oppressed. Same-sex
marriage was only recently legalized in Greece in February of this year, and
LGBTQ+ people are still met with violence in the Middle East, Africa and parts
of South America. Although progress has been made, there is still work to be
done to advance LGBTQ+ rights. So, while Pride may conjure mental images of
bright and fun celebrations, there are some Pride events that take the form of
political protests or even quiet memorials to victims of AIDS or violent hate
crimes.
Fortunately, progress is steady. California is home to some
of the largest Pride celebrations worldwide, in both Los Angeles and San
Francisco. Pride month is an opportune time to both celebrate the contributions
and progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and visibility and as a reminder of the
ongoing struggles and hardships faced by the LGBTQ+ community. In doing so, we
declare our resolve to create more inclusive communities for all.
If you would like to learn more about local resources and
events, head over to the Pacific
Pride Foundation website. They offer a wide variety of community and
personal wellness services for both adults and youth. The Pacific Pride
Foundation will also be kicking off pride week in Santa Barbara with the Sunset
at the Canary on August 21st, and hosting the Pride Festival at
Chase Palm Park on August 24th.
“Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place.” – Captain Raymond Holt