Originally Published on June 02, 2021
Written by Larah Jane Taculao
LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) Pride Month is celebrated annually in the month of June. The first LGBT Pride Parade occurred in New York City on June 28, 1970, marking the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots. These riots have occurred when police raided a gay bar on June 28, 1969. This event has started the spark to uplift the gay rights movements around the globe.
The historical pride month is believed to be started by the bisexual activist named Brenda Howard, the “Mother of Pride”. She organized a Gay Pride Week after the Stonewall riots. Since then, millions of people take part in this month-long celebration to protest, advocate LGBT rights, and resist from the sociopolitical abomination.
Why is it called “pride” and how do people celebrate it? The term “pride” commemorates all the courage, struggles, and fights for the equal rights of our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community. In a literal sense, this term also opposes to shame, social stigma, and unfair treatments experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, and asexual and/or ally.
Pride month is usually celebrated with pride parades or marches, street festivals, outdoor concerts, free shows, street rallies, events, and parties. Due to pandemic, different celebrations might take place online.
Truly, it is a month showing off the unity of the whole community and their allies against discrimination, harassment, and violence toward the LGBTQ+ people. This month is a great reminder that everyone in the society is valid and deserving for social acceptance and equal rights.
As we are observing this month of pride, we join the whole community in the fight for equality. Undoubtedly, the LGBTQ+ people have contributed and continuously contributing so much to the society and we must recognize them fairly. Through the years, there’s more than enough to reflect regarding the LGBTQ+ rights movements. Hence, this pride month is a huge chance to learn about the fight of what’s right. It is a celebration of acceptance and love.
Be loud and proud as we celebrate the month of colors. Let us never be silent in this fight. Happy Pride Month!
TNC of the North 