Why June Is Celebrated as Pride Month?
Every year around this month, we see a rainbow-coloured flag or rainbow-filtered picture suddenly popping up on our social media feeds. Many of us might have used rainbow filters to show solidarity with the larger LGBTQIA+ community. But did you know
The story goes back to 1969 in New York. The year 1969 was a watershed moment for gay rights as the struggles, trials, and tribulations of the community came to light.
On June 28, 1969, NY Police raided Stonewall Inn, a prominent gay bar in New York. It led to riots incited by gay and transgender activists.
The first Pride March was held in New York exactly one year after the Stonewall riots to commemorate the first open display of rebellion against the deeply entrenched bigotry, homophobia, and transphobia in society.
The Pride March spread to other U.S. cities and countries in the ensuing years gaining more visibility for the LGBTQ community.
In 1999, then-U.S. President Bill Clinton declared June to be Pride Month.
Since then, various corporate houses worldwide have joined the Rainbow Bandwagon, celebrating diversity, inclusion, and equity.
In India, the first Pride March was held in Kolkata in 1999, where 15 intrepid marchers walked through Kolkata streets inspired by Pride March and Gandhi’s Dandi March.
Since then, our country has come a long way in recognizing and accepting the LGBTQIA+ community.
However, there is a long way to go!
So from now onwards whenever you put up the rainbow flags and filters, you will also remember the struggles of the communities around the world and their hard-earned rights.
Celebrate diversity, and inclusion, and soak yourselves in the six colours of Pride!
Happy Pride Month!
Thank You,
