Pride Month!

For those who don’t know, the month of June is officially recognized as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month! In honor of this important month, the WRA GSA is kicking off their blog with a three-part series of posts explaining the history and answering that one question people always seem to ask: why do gays and lesbians get their own Pride Parades?

The first Gay Pride Parades in the United States happened June 28th, 1970, exactly one year after the Stonewall Riots (more on this later). Subsequent parades held in New York City and Atlanta were called Gay Liberation Day; those held in San Francisco and Los Angeles were called Gay Freedom Day; by the time the 1980s rolled around, most events had been renamed Gay Pride Day. Parades spread across the country over the next thirty years.

In June of 2000, then-President Bill Clinton declared June to be Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in the United States, the first time the events had been officially recognized by the national government. So far in every year of his administration, President Barack Obama has recognized June to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month; you can see his official proclamation here.

If you can, look for Pride Events in cities around you; most cities will have them, from major metropolitan areas like Cleveland, San Francisco and New York, to smaller cities like Iowa City! Events vary by city, but there’s often music, a parade, booths where you can get a lot of great free swag, and information about services in your city! Finding a Pride event is as easy as googling the name of your city and the phrase “Gay Pride” (or any combination thereof).

Next week we’re going to take a look at some history and examine that question that you hear so often: why do gay people get their own Pride parades? Why do they have to show off their Pride? Keep your eyes peeled for a link from our Facebook page!