The catalyst for Pride is actually a riot—the 1969 Stonewall Riots.
On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Uprising took place in New York City in USA. At the time, the NY police would frequently raid queer bars and harass the gay community. Back then, the American Constitution also had laws banning homosexuality.One of the most popular gay bars, Greenwich Village’s Stonewall Inn was raided frequently too.
However, on that particular day in June, all hell broke loose when the queer community fought back and protested hard for several days. This changed the world forever, for the better.
The following year, the first official Pride parade was carried out on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, with Christopher Street Liberation Day and the tradition has continued till date.
Pride month is about equality, teaching acceptance, education in pride history and above all, love. During this month, we educate others and ourselves about how damaging homophobia is and why we need to get rid of it. It’s about being proud of who you are no matter who you love.