Pride month came about as the result of the Stonewall riots which took place in June 1969. There was a major social issue occurring at the time, namely discrimination against homosexuals and transgender people. Any kind of gay activity was banned in the USA and it was still illegal to be gay in most countries at that time. This led to police raids on popular gay meeting places, like bars and clubs, etc. They would arrest any person who did not act according to their standards, which included how they dressed or wore their hair. It led to a violent rebellion to these arrests being led by transgender activist Sylvia Rivera.
The month of June, dedicated to Pride, is a time for remembrance and celebration. It’s a time for us to honor the activists who fought hard and brought attention to the persecution experienced by this community. But this is not just our history being honored, it’s also us celebrating our present and ensuring our future: because we are still fighting for full equality. It’s important that everyone, heterosexual or otherwise, takes the time to learn about this month and its importance. Not only because they might be able to help someone close to them who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, but also because it is a great opportunity to remember that although society has come a long way in terms of acceptance and tolerance, there is still so much work to be done.
Many people don’t understand why Pride month is important, especially in this day and age. Most people have never known what it’s like to be told they can’t be themselves for fear of being hated, ridiculed, kicked out of their family and their homes. They don’t know what it’s like to lose friends, not get hired because of who they love. They don’t know what it is like to hide who they are just to fit in. Why is Pride Month important? Pride month allows us to learn about our history. It’s important to note that the gay pride movement was started by queer people of color who were fed up with being beaten up or bashed, verbally abused, and jailed for being who they are. However, it’s undeniable that we as queer people made significant progress in certain areas for example: in 2015 same-sex marriage was legalized by the Supreme Court and now transgender individuals have more protection in terms of employment under Title VII.