June is LGBT Month

Every June, LGBTQ+ communities around the globe celebrate Pride Month to raise awareness of issues facing LGBTQ+ communities and to recognize the contributions LGBT people have made and continue to make in their neighborhoods, communities, countries and the world.

June was chosen for Pride Month because it holds the date of the Stonewall Riots, also called the Stonewall Uprising. On June 28, 1969, police raided Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in New York City and arrested bar patrons and employees.

Rough treatment by the police during the arrests sparked six days of protests in neighborhoods surrounding Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. The uprising marked the beginning of the Gay Rights Movement.

While attitudes have changed in recent years, injustices remain. Continuing the long-standing tradition advances the progress of the movement.

Many take the opportunity to peacefully protest throughout the month to try and raise awareness and speak out against the discrimination and persecution long endured by members of the LGBT community. Parades figure prominently in the celebrations along with street parties, lectures, poetry readings, education sessions, community events and festivals.