LGBTQ Pride Month

Every year, during the month of June, the LGBT community celebrates in a number of different ways. Although this year has been slightly different with social distancing and other lockdown measures still in place, across the globe, various events recognise the influence LGBT people have had around the world.
What?
LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer. LGBTQ pride is the promotion of the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people as a social group. Pride, as opposed to shame and social stigma, is the predominant outlook that bolsters most LGBT rights movements.

As well as being a month long celebration, it is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the community. This year has obviously seen a huge outcry in the Black Lives Matter campaign.

Why?
Pride Month is so important because it marks the start of huge change within the LGBT+ community, as well as the wider societal implications. Although attitudes and injustice still remain, we have come a long way since the riots of 1969 and by continuing in this long standing tradition we continue to raise awareness, improve the attitudes of society and encourage inclusiveness.

Why June?
The month of June was chosen for LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognise the impact LGBT people have had in the world.

The Stonewall Riots were prompted by a raid that took place during the early morning, at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. The LGBT community held a series of spontaneous, often violent demonstrations to protest against the raid and calling for the establishment of places that gays and lesbians could go and be open about their sexual orientation. In such places there should be no fears of being arrested. The riots served as a catalyst for the rights of LGBT people, and within 6 months, 2 gay activist groups had formed in New York. Over the years since the event, many gay rights organisations have been formed. Not just in the US but around the world.

What's special this year?
June 2020 actually marks the 50th anniversary of annual LGBTQ+ Pride traditions. The first Pride march in New York City was held on June 28, 1970 on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.

How?
Parades are a prominent feature, and there are many street parties, community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals and educational sessions...all of which are covered by mainstream media and attracting millions of participants.

*Information taken from the following pages:

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