Pride

Pride Month, or just "Pride," is an annual celebration and affirmation of the identities, rights, and cultures of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender and sexual minorities. Pride is typically celebrated in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City. Internationally, different Pride events take place around the world at different dates. While Pride is considered a period of celebration for LGBTQ communities, it also often includes BDSM & kink communities. You can often see Leather Pride and Puppy Pride flags at gatherings. At its core, Pride promotes the rights, self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility for any marginalized social groups, and stands against social stigmas and shame. ### Origins of Pride ​ Pride originated from resistance and protest, most notably the Stonewall riots in June 1969. These six days of unrest in New York City were sparked by a police raid on a gay bar in Greenwich Village. ​ On June 28, 1970, the first anniversary of the riots, activists organized the inaugural Pride marches in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. These events marked the beginning of annual Pride celebrations, transforming from acts of defiance into global movements advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility, rights, and community. ​