Every year, during the month of June, events are held worldwide to recognise and celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community’s influence on the world.
The month-long events and celebrations not only promote the LGBTQIA+ peoples dignity, equal rights, self-affirmation, but also help to increase society’s awareness of the challenges they face. This year, NYC Pride marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and a half-century of LGBTQIA+ liberation.
STONEWALL RIOTS
Pride Day commemorates the Stonewall riots, which is considered the most important event in the gay liberation movement in the United States. It occurred at the Stonewall Inn, a tavern in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, New York, popular then with the LGBT+ community. Demonstrations began in the early morning of 28th June 1969 when police raided the Stonewall Inn.
Back then, raids on gay bars were a regular occurrence, but this time aggressive agents were challenged by angry customers, and the situation turned into a full-on riot. The riots, which lasted several days, served as a catalyst for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, and since then, many gay rights organisations have been formed around the world.
PEACEFUL PROTEST
As well as being a month-long celebration, Pride month is an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of the current issues facing the community. Parades are a prominent feature of Pride month, and there will be many street parties, community events, street festivals and educational sessions, which will be covered by mainstream media and attract millions of participants worldwide.
This year, New York’s Pride Month will finish with a parade on the 30th June. Check out the following link for a list of the month’s events: https://2019-worldpride-stonewall50.nycpride.org/events.
London’s month-long Pride celebrations will kick off on Saturday 8th June and will culminate in a city-wide parade on 6th July. Enjoy Pride Month celebrations wherever you are in the world.
Sign up for our newsletter
