Pride Month is observed each June in the United States in commemoration of the Stonewall Uprising. The month is also a time to recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans and raise awareness about efforts for equal justice and equal opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Stonewall Uprising took place in June 1969 when patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBTQ Americans were commonly subjected. This event was a turning point in the movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ+ Americans.
This year, in a Proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month 2021, U.S. President Joseph R. Biden said, “The uprising at the Stonewall Inn in June, 1969, sparked a liberation movement — a call to action that continues to inspire us to live up to our Nation’s promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all. Pride is a time to recall the trials the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community has endured and to rejoice in the triumphs of trailblazing individuals who have bravely fought — and continue to fight — for full equality. Pride is both a jubilant communal celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity. This Pride Month, we recognize the valuable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across America, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Americans in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice.”
To learn more, watch “Stonewall Uprising” on PBS, part of a special collection of films, series and short stories that explore the LGBTQ+ experience in the United States and around the world. You can also explore what it means to be an ally in the effort to achieve equality for all through a series of resources from the Human Rights Campaign.
Originally published by Cidni Sanders at diversity.nd.edu on June 01, 2021.