A Brief History of Pride Month

Every year, the month of June is always one to look forward to! Not only are we welcomed by highly anticipated sunshine, but it is also a month filled to the brim with vibrant colours, pride parades, a sense of comradery, and celebrations all around the world. Most importantly, this is the time when millions of individuals come together to honour and embrace the LGBTQ+ community. This global phenomenon is known as Pride Month.

If you have ever been lucky enough to attend a pride event or parade – then you will know just how much of an empowering and beautiful experience it can be. But what is the story behind this month-long celebration? Join us on a journey through history as we explore the origins and significance of Pride Month.

Origins of Pride Month

The history of Pride Month can be traced back to the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, when the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, became the epicentre of a pivotal event in LGBTQ+ history. What started off as a night of celebrations, turned into a feisty rebellion that fought to overthrow police order due to their ulterior motives for arrest that was riddled with discrimination. It wasn’t uncommon for the police to conduct routine police raids which often resulted in the arrest of patrons and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Yet, that night, a routine police raid on the bar led to an unexpected and powerful resistance from the patrons and surrounding community. The uprising, which continued for several days, became known as the Stonewall Riots.

The Stonewall Riots marked a turning point for the LGBTQ+ community, igniting a wave of activism and advocacy for equal rights. In subsequent years, commemorative events were held on the anniversary of the riots, becoming the precursor to what we now know as Pride Month.