Pride Month, celebrated each June, commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 — a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States and beyond. On June 28, 1969, a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City sparked days of protests led by transgender women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. What began as a reaction to systemic abuse and oppression evolved into a global movement for LGBTQ+ equality, visibility, and pride.
In the years following Stonewall, LGBTQ+ communities across the globe began organizing marches and demonstrations to demand rights and recognition. These events laid the foundation for what we now know as Pride parades. Initially, these marches were somber reminders of the injustices the LGBTQ+ community faced. Over time, they grew into celebratory festivals that combine protest with joy, solidarity, and cultural expression.
Today, Pride Month is celebrated in many countries through parades, panel discussions, art exhibitions, and community outreach. It serves both as a reminder of past struggles and a beacon for future progress. Corporations, educational institutions, and governments increasingly participate in Pride initiatives — though this often raises conversations around authenticity, inclusivity, and “rainbow-washing.”
As we observe Pride Month, it’s crucial to remember its activist roots. Pride is not just a celebration of identity, but also a powerful statement against discrimination, violence, and exclusion. Honoring Pride means listening to LGBTQ+ voices, supporting equitable policies, and recognizing that the fight for full equality is far from over.
Kanishka