Why Do We Celebrate Pride?

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE PRIDE?

Every June, many Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) people celebrate Pride.

For many, it’s a time to party!

“We are a people, a tribe if you will. And flags are about proclaiming power, so it’s very appropriate….We needed something beautiful, something from us. The rainbow is so perfect because it really fits our diversity in terms of race, gender, ages, all of those things.” – Gilbert Baker (June 2, 1951 – March 31, 2017) . Gilbert Baker, who was born sixty-six years ago today, gave the queer community its most enduring symbol of pride: the Rainbow Flag, which first appeared at San Francisco’s Gay Freedom Day in June 1978. . In addition to his contributions as a designer and artist, Baker also was a lifelong direct-action activist on behalf of progressive causes including queer and gender liberation, anti-censorship, and non-violence campaigns. . Gilbert Baker, also known by his drag-name, Busty Ross, died on March 31, 2017. . Picture: Busty Ross (a.k.a. Gilbert Baker), Drag March, San Francisco, California, June 24, 1999. Photo c/o AP. #lgbthistory #HavePrideInHistory #Resist #GilbertBaker #Pride2017

A post shared by lgbt_history (@lgbt_history) on Jun 2, 2017 at 7:38am PDT

While partying is definitely part of Pride festivities, the true purpose of the Pride Parade and celebrations is to commemorate the Stonewall Riots that took place in 1969 in New York City at a popular gay bar called, The Stonewall Inn. The very first Pride was a police riot, with the first brick being thrown by trans women of color in defense against abuses perpetrated by homophobic/transphobic cops.

Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were two key figures during the riots but both went on to devote their lives to gay and trans liberation. Please read on for more information at History Link!

Be sure to keep checking the blog this month for more LGBTQ history and organizations that need your support!