In the U.S. Pride celebrations, parades, and marches take place in June to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Did you know the Stonewall Riots weren’t the first time the LGBTQ+ community stood up against police harassment. Before Stonewall, there was a riot in Los Angeles at Cooper Do-Nuts, and in San Francisco at Compton’s Cafeteria. But Stonewall is definitely the best-known, and led to the creation of what we know as Pride today.
Society for Human Rights – In 1924 – Henry Gerber founded the Society for Human Rights, the first gay rights organization in the United States.
The Stonewall Riots Started it All – In June 1969, the LGBT community stood up for their rights when police raided The Stonewall Inn in New York City. The brave move paved the way for Pride Month celebrations every June.
The first Pride March was known as Christopher Street Liberation Day March – It was led and organized by a group of activists including Brenda Howard, the Mother of Pride. The event took place in 1970
The Rainbow Flag Originally had Eight Colors – The Rainbow flag was designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978. The flag included colors like pink for sexuality, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit.
There are a lot of LGBTQIA+ events happening every year – Pride is just one of them! You can continue championing LGBTQIA+ rights during LGBT History Month, International Transgender Day of Visibility, National Coming Out Day, and beyond!
Download this infographic on historically important information about Pride Month to share with your organization.
If you’re looking for more information, or how to engage one of our speakers to continue the conversation with your organization, contact us at LetsGo@DiversityCrew.com today.
