Happy Pride Month. But why June?
Photo: Yhanson.photography
Pride Month is a time of vibrant celebrations, parades, and events that honour the LGBTQ+ community and its struggle for equal rights and acceptance. But why June?
While many people are familiar with the festivities, they may wonder why Pride Month is observed in June. We wanted to tell the story of the historical roots of Pride Month and the significance of June as the chosen month for this commemoration.
The Stonewall Riots & Birth of Pride
To understand the origins of Pride Month, we must travel back to the year 1969. At that time, the LGBTQ+ community faced widespread discrimination and oppression, with laws criminalizing same-sex relationships and frequent police raids on establishments known to be frequented by queer individuals. One such place was the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village.
In the early hours of June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Inn was subjected to a police raid. Tired of the constant harassment and unjust treatment, the patrons of the bar decided to resist. This spontaneous act of defiance ignited a series of protests and demonstrations that continued for several days. The event, known as the Stonewall Riots, is widely considered a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The Stonewall Riots, also called the Stonewall Uprising, began in the early hours of June 28, 1969 when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City. The raid sparked a riot among bar patrons and neighbourhood residents as police roughly hauled employees and patrons out of the bar, leading to six days of protests and violent clashes with law enforcement outside the bar on Christopher Street, in neighbouring 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. History.com
Pride Parades: Pride is a Protest!
One year after the Stonewall Riots, on June 28, 1970, the first Pride parades were organized in several cities across the United States. These marches served as both a commemoration of the Stonewall Riots and a demand for equality and recognition. The initial Pride events were not elaborate or corporate-sponsored, but rather grassroots gatherings of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. They represented a visible expression of the community's resilience and determination to fight for their rights.
And so it is June
So, why was June chosen as the month to celebrate Pride? Oddly there are a few theories that offer possible explanations. The most obvious is that June was selected because it coincided with the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. By commemorating the events of that pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history, Pride Month pays tribute to the courage and activism of those who fought back against discrimination.
Another theory, however, suggests that June was favoured because it represented a time of celebration and liberation. June typically marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, a season associated with freedom, joy, and self-expression. This connection between Pride Month and the exuberance of summer further emphasizes the spirit of LGBTQ+ pride and unity.
What do you think?
Evolution and Global Recognition
Over the years, Pride Month has grown beyond its original purpose. It has become a platform for promoting inclusivity, raising awareness, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide. In various countries, the month of June is now synonymous with Pride events and celebrations, serving as a time to honour the progress that has been made and highlight the work that still lies ahead.
This annual commemoration not only pays tribute to the courage and activism of those who fought for equality but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. By choosing June as Pride Month, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies continue to create a space for visibility, inclusivity, and celebration while fostering awareness and advocating for a world that embraces diversity and equality for all.
I personally love Pride Month and as well the Vancouver Pride season (long weekend in August) - as a newly out lesbian it was amazing to be able to walk safely down the streets of Vancouver holding hands with my gilfriend and without a worry in the world. But many of my queer friends reminded me often of the hard work that had been accomplished by those who came before me. It’s important to learn the history!
One good way to learn the history of queer Vancouver is to take in the Really Gay History Tour - not to be missed!