Why we have Pride
The month of June is LGBT Pride Month in commemoration of the Stonewall riots. Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama made declarations, and cities and states across the country and the world celebrate with various events and activities, most notably Pride Parades.
The Stonewall riots were pivotal in the modern LGBT rights movement. Early on the morning of Saturday, 28 June 1969, LGBT people rioted following one of many police raids on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. The Stonewall riots are considered to be the beginning of the gay rights movement, as it was the first time in modern history that a large group within the LGBT community stood together and resisted arrest.
On November 2, 1969, Craig Rodwell proposed the first gay pride parade to be held in New York City by way of a resolution at the Eastern Regional Conference of Homophile Organizations meeting in Philadelphia, along with his partner, Fred Sargeant, Ellen Broidy and Linda Rhodes.
"We propose that a demonstration be held annually on the last Saturday in June in New York City to commemorate the 1969 spontaneous demonstrations on Christopher Street and this demonstration be called CHRISTOPHER STREET LIBERATION DAY. No dress or age regulations shall be made for this demonstration.
"We also propose that we contact Homophile organizations throughout the country and suggest that they hold parallel demonstrations on that day. We propose a nationwide show of support,” said Rodwell.
across the country, other cities have been holding their Pride events all month long. Pride Parades and other festivities represent a time for LGBT people and their allies to come together publicly as one voice in the fight for equality. At many parades, lawmakers march, governors are endorsed by the LGBT leading organizations, and signatures are gathered for gay rights legislation.
Printer-friendly version
Send to friend
