And just like that, in the blink of an eye, we're half way through the year 2022 and one of thee best months is upon us! June... the beginning of hot days, the official start of summer, the longer days of the year (in terms of sunlight hours), and more importantly, one of the most colorful months of all! Yep, it's finally Pride Month!
Congratulations to all our LBTQ+ followers, clients, and friends who are celebrating this month. We couldn't be more thrilled to be able to commemorate this month with you ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 And what better way to do so than to take a trip down memory lane and educate us all on some facts about the holiday. As fun as the holiday is today, its meaning is much deeper and worth noting!
Here are our top 15 Facts about Pride Month:
1. Pride Month was established by Congress as the tribute to the "Stonewall Uprising" (Stonewall Riots) of 1969 - a six day protest in Manhattan that began June 28, 1969 at 2 AM. On this day, cops raided a local gay bar on Christopher Street. Those who got away remained outside the Stonewall Inn (the bar being rated) and protested against the discrimination. The police force soon became violent and the protest became a riot triggering the protests that followed for the next week.
2. Although not official, the "Stonewall Riots" are considered by many as the launch of the gay rights movements.
3. Bisexual rights activist Brenda Howard coordinated the "Liberation March on Christopher Street" on June 28th, 1970 -- exactly a year after the riots, thus being considered to be the "Mother of Pride".
4. "Pride Month" has a had a few makeovers over the years. Initially, it was known as "Gay Liberation March", then "Gay Freedom March" and finally in the 80's, became known as "Gay Pride". Today it has been shortened to "Pride".
5. As fun as the celebrations are today, it should always be remembered that they stand for a cause and the activists that risk their lives defending that cause.
6. Gilbert Baker designed the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag in 1978. Originally, the flag had 8 colors but it was cut down to 6 and each color has a meaning. Red = life, Orange = healing, Yellow = sunlight, Green = nature, Blue = harmony, Violet = spirit.
7. Marsha P. Johnson is an important name. Johnson, a transgender activist, was in the front line at the "Stonewall Uprisings" and considered one of the most significant leaders of that time.
8. Before the rainbow flag, the Greek Lambda was the symbol of gay rights because it was the sign of the "Gay Activist Alliance".
9. Europe celebrates pan-European Europride, a tradition that was started in 1992. Cities take turns hosting it every year.
10. The first "Pride March" occurred exactly a year after the "Stonewall Uprisings" and took place in NYC on Christopher Street. Back then it was known as "Street Liberation Day March".
11. It took 10 years from the "Uprisings" for the "Pride March" to go national. The first "National March on Washington For Lesbians and Gay Rights" occurred in D.C. on October 13, 1979.
12. South Africa is the only African country that celebrates "Pride" and holds annual marches in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
13. The first group to ever speak up for gay rights in the US was founded by German immigrant, Henry Gerber, in 1924. It was named "The Society of Human Rights" and was founded in Chicago.
14. The first lesbian rights group, "Daughters of Bilitis", was founded in 1955 in San Francisco, and was led by Del Martin and Phyllis Lyons.
15. This year marks the 53rd anniversary of the "Stonewall Riots". The Pride March will take place on June 26, 2022 and will start on 25th ST and 5th Ave.
For more detailed information on our list (and additional facts) check out the following pages!
Talk soon and stay gay!