Every June, millions of people across the world celebrate the pride they have in their community and themselves.
From a historical perspective, Pride month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots. On June 28, 1969, police raided New York City’s Stonewall Inn as part of an ongoing series of raids on queer bars. The deviation from routine came when the Stonewall patrons spontaneously decided to fight back. Further pride protests and organizations were sparked by Stonewall, and the inn is still honored today.
But Pride extends far beyond the one night. Stonewall is just the rationale behind modern events taking place in June. Pride means that, even for a twelfth of the time in a year, queer people can place more emphasis on that aspect than they do in their day-to-day.
The specific forms that that emphasis can take differ from person to person, of course. Some of us show up as fierce activists and protesters, and urge our governments to definable action in our defense. Others prefer to celebrate, and look at how far the community has come since the days of Stonewall. And still others create space for both, or for whatever third option they feel fits them best.
That’s the beauty of Pride, after all. No matter whether a person is out and proud, closeted and safe, or a supportive ally to their loved ones, Pride is about embodying yourself in whatever way fits you best.
Blog post written by Communications and Marketing Intern, Elizabeth Carr.