Happy Pride Month! June is all about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. This month-long observance holds significant historical and cultural value, honoring the LGBTQ+ community's fight for equal rights and celebrating the diversity and inclusion that strengthen our society. Pride Month is a reminder of the progress made, the challenges that still exist, and the ongoing commitment to fostering acceptance and love for all.
The Stonewall Uprising: A Pivotal Moment in LGBTQ+ History
During the Stonewall Uprising of June 1969 in New York City, two trans women, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, courageously stood up against police brutality and discrimination. At the time, police raids targeting gay bars were a common occurrence. In the early morning hours of June 28, 1968, police raided The Stonewall Inn and arrested 13 people, including employees and people violating the state’s gender-appropriate clothing statute. The violent and abrupt outburst of the police, who physically hauled patrons and employees out of The Stonewall, led to six days of protests.
The Stonewall Rebellion catalyzed gay rights and gay liberation movements throughout the United States in that year and for decades to come. In 1999, President Bill Clinton dedicated the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, and the entire month of June to celebrating gay and lesbian pride. In 2011, Barack Obama expanded Pride Month as an officially recognized month and included the entirety of the LGBTQ+ community.
Today Pride Month is about Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
The month of June is filled with parades, parties, concerts, drag shows, protests, and so much more to celebrate the solidarity and perseverance of the LGBTQ+ community. These activities also serve as a reminder to society that diversity should be celebrated and embraced, fostering a sense of belonging and creating spaces where people can come together, build networks, and find support.
The Role of Allyship in Pride
Pride Month encourages everyone to educate themselves, challenge prejudices, and actively support equal rights. While Pride Month primarily highlights the LGBTQ+ community, it also emphasizes the significance of allyship. Allies, individuals who actively support and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and accepting society. Let us use this time to reflect, learn, and stand as allies, ensuring love and acceptance prevail in our communities throughout the year. Happy Pride Month!
Resources for Engagement this Pride Month
Events:
One Colorado Pink Party - June 21, 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Denver PRIDE 5K - June 22; 9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Denver PrideFest - June 22; 11:00 AM-7:00 PM; June 23; 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Denver Pride Official Sober Party - June 22; 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Coors Light Denver Pride Parade - June 23; 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Pride Center of Vermont Events - throughout June.
Volunteer Opportunities:
One Colorado at Denver Pride Fest - Help set up and break down One Colorado’s table and ensure they reach as many people as possible! Saturday, June 22 – Sunday, June 23.
JCC Denver - Volunteer opportunities include helping braid rainbow challah on June 23, staffing the Jewish Community booth at PrideFest on June 24-25 in two-hour shifts, and marching with the Jewish Community in the Denver Pride March on June 25.
Books:
We Are Everywhere by Matthew Riemer and Leighton Brown
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Fairest by Meredith Talusan
Countries of Origin by Javier Fuentes
All My Mother’s Lovers by Ilana Masad
Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution by David Carter
Me by Elton John
Dancer from the Dance by Andrew Holleran
Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg
Film & Television:
Hearts Beat Loud
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
A Secret Love
(A)sexual
Pride
Love, Victor
PBS Pride Month Video Collection
Queer Eye
Ultimatum: Queer Love
As the TV Glows
Carol