Pride Month History: A Journey of Courage and Celebration
If you’ve ever wondered why Pride Month is such a big deal, you’re in the right place. Pride Month is all about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, their fight for equality, and the history of Pride Month that shaped this global movement.
This isn’t just a party, it’s a tribute to the people who stood up, spoke out, and made change happen. Let’s walk through the story of Pride Month, from its roots to its global impact, and see how it’s still inspiring folks today.
How Pride Month Began: The Stonewall Riots
Picture this: it’s June 1969 in New York City. The Stonewall Inn, a small bar in Greenwich Village, is a safe spot for the LGBTQ+ community.
Back then, being openly gay, lesbian, or transgender could get you arrested or worse. Police raids on bars like Stonewall were common, but on June 28, something different happened. The people inside, led by folks like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Riveray said, “Enough is enough.” They fought back against a police raid, sparking days of protests known as the Stonewall Riots.
This wasn’t just a one-night stand-up. The riots lit a fire under the LGBTQ+ rights movement. People started organizing, demanding respect and equal rights.
A year later, in 1970, the first Pride marches happened in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to mark the anniversary of Stonewall.
Take Note: These weren’t called “Pride Month” yet, but they laid the groundwork for what we celebrate today.
Photo by Dreamstime
Why June? The Timing of Pride
Ever wonder why Pride Month happens in June? It’s no random pick. June honors the Stonewall Riots, which kicked off on June 28, 1969. Those protests were a turning point, so the community chose June to remember the courage it took to stand up. Over time, these early marches grew into parades, festivals, and events worldwide, all celebrating the same spirit of defiance and joy.
What is The Story Behind the Pride Flag?
You can’t talk about Pride without mentioning the rainbow flag. It’s everywhere during Pride Month, on shirts, pins, and even company logos. But where did it come from? In 1978, artist Gilbert Baker designed the first rainbow flag in San Francisco.
Each color was chosen to represent a core value of the LGBTQ+ community. Here’s what they mean:
- Pink: Sexuality
- Red: Healing
- Yellow: Sun
- Green: Serenity with nature
- Turquoise: Art
- Indigo: Harmony
- Violet: Spirit
The flag was a bold way to say, “We’re here, and we’re proud.” Today, it’s a universal symbol of love, acceptance, and diversity.
The flag’s evolved over the years, too. In 2017, a version with black and brown stripes was introduced to highlight inclusion for people of color in the LGBTQ+ community.
Photo by Phillymag
Other updates, like the Progress Pride Flag, add stripes for transgender and nonbinary folks. It’s a reminder that Pride is about everyone, no matter who you are or where you’re from.
Pride Month History Timeline
Pride Month didn’t just pop up overnight. It’s built on decades of hard-won battles. Here are some big moments that shaped it:
- 1970: First Pride Marches – A year after Stonewall, the first marches took place. They were small but powerful, with people chanting for freedom and equality.
- 1987: ACT UP Forms – The AIDS crisis hit the LGBTQ+ community hard in the ‘80s. ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) pushed for better healthcare and awareness, saving countless lives.
- 2003: U.S. Legalizes Same-Sex Relationships – The Supreme Court’s Lawrence v. Texas decision struck down laws banning same-sex relationships, a huge win for equality.
- 2015: Marriage Equality – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex couples could marry nationwide. It was a massive milestone, celebrated with Pride parades everywhere.
Pride Around the World
Pride isn’t just an American thing. It’s global! From São Paulo’s massive parade to Amsterdam’s iconic canal floats, people worldwide celebrate Pride in their own way. But it’s not all rainbows and glitter.
In some countries, being openly LGBTQ+ is still dangerous or even illegal. Pride events in places like Istanbul or Uganda are acts of incredible bravery, where marchers risk their safety to demand change.
Even in countries with more acceptance, like Canada or the Netherlands, Pride events keep pushing for inclusion. They’re a chance to honor the past while working for a future where everyone feels safe and valued.
Why Pride Matters Today
So, why does Pride Month still matter? It’s not just about history, it’s about today, too. Despite progress, challenges remain. Discrimination, unequal laws, and social stigma still affect LGBTQ+ people worldwide. Pride Month is a reminder to keep fighting for equality, whether that’s through marches, community events, or supporting inclusive businesses.
It’s also a time to celebrate. Pride is about joy, love, and being yourself without fear. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, it’s a chance to come together, share stories, and build a stronger, more inclusive world.
How Companies Can Support Pride
Businesses play a big role in Pride, but it’s gotta be real. Nobody likes “rainbow-washing” when companies slap a rainbow logo on something just for sales. Real support means taking action, like donating to LGBTQ+ charities, creating inclusive workplaces, or amplifying marginalized voices.
For example, partnering with groups like The Trevor Project or GLAAD shows a commitment to change, not just a marketing stunt.
When companies get it right, it’s powerful. It shows they’re listening and care about the community. That’s the kind of support that resonates year-round.
Moss Amigos: Carrying Forward the Legacy of Pride Month History
At Moss Amigos, we’re celebrating the history of Pride Month with Rainbow Rico and Rainbow Nino: two colorful moss balls filled with rainbow gemstones. They're a small, everyday way to show support, inspired by the Pride flag and the message it stands for: unity, love, and being proud of who you are.
Rainbow Rico
Dimension:
- Height: 2 inches
- Diameter: 2 inches
- Weight: 2 oz
Rainbow Nino
Dimension:
- Height: 2 in.
- Diameter: 0.5 in.
- Weight: 2 oz
Show your support by grabbing Rainbow Rico or Rainbow Nino at [website link] and sharing your Pride story with #MossAmigosPride!
Keep the Pride Spirit Alive
Pride Month history is a story of courage, resilience, and celebration. Pride reminds us of the power of standing up for what’s right. It’s not just a month but it’s a mindset. When you show up, speak up, or support the LGBTQ+ community, you're helping carry the legacy of Pride forward.
So how can you keep the Pride spirit going? Share a story, celebrate an LGBTQ+ hero, or take part in a local event. The history of Pride Month reminds us that change starts with us, let’s keep it going.
Want to see how we’re celebrating? Learn more about Moss Amigos and our Pride collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pride History Month start?
The U.S. government first officially recognized Pride Month in 1999, when President Bill Clinton proclaimed June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. Later, President Barack Obama expanded it in 2009 to include the broader LGBTQ+ community. In 2021, President Joe Biden reaffirmed June as LGBTQ Pride Month.
When did Pride Month become a thing?
Pride Month began to take shape after the first Pride marches in 1970, held on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. These early demonstrations laid the foundation for what would grow into a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ rights, visibility, and community.
Why was June declared Pride Month?
June was chosen for Pride Month to honor the Stonewall Uprising of June 1969, a turning point in LGBTQ+ history. The protests inspired a movement, and June became the symbolic time to celebrate progress and continue pushing for equality and acceptance.
References:
Marsha P. Johnson. (n.d.). National Women’s History Museum. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/marsha-p-johnson
Sylvia Rivera. (n.d.). National Women’s History Museum. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/sylvia-rivera
Gilbert Baker (U.S. National Park Service). (n.d.). https://www.nps.gov/people/gilbert-baker.htm
Proclamation 7203—Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, 1999 | The American Presidency Project. (n.d.). https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-7203-gay-and-lesbian-pride-month-1999
