Pride Month is a month-long celebration observed in many countries around the world to honor the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender and sexual minority) community. It is a time for recognizing the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and commemorating the Stonewall Riots, which are widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.

The modern LGBTQ+ rights movement is often traced back to the Stonewall Riots, which took place in New York City in June 1969. The Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village, was frequently subjected to police raids and harassment. However, on the night of June 28, the bar's patrons fought back against the police during a raid, sparking several days of protests and demonstrations. This event galvanized the LGBTQ+ community and marked the birth of the gay rights movement.

In the following years, LGBTQ+ activists organized events to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, often taking place in June to align with the anniversary. These events aimed to raise awareness, promote equality, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

The first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots was commemorated with a march called Christopher Street Liberation Day. The march, held on June 28, 1970, started from Christopher Street (the location of the Stonewall Inn) to Central Park in New York City. It was considered the first Gay Pride Parade.

As the LGBTQ+ rights movement gained momentum, Pride events began to emerge in other cities across the United States and around the world. These events often involved parades, festivals, marches, and other activities aimed at fostering visibility, acceptance, and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community.

Over time, various countries, states, and cities started officially recognizing June as Pride Month or designated specific days or weeks for LGBTQ+ celebrations. This recognition not only highlighted the importance of LGBTQ+ rights but also helped foster greater acceptance and understanding in society.

Pride Month has become a time for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to celebrate achievements in the fight for equality, raise awareness about ongoing challenges, and advocate for further progress. It serves as a platform to promote inclusivity, support, and pride in the diverse identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.

As Pride Month continues to evolve into a global movement, with parades, events, and celebrations taking place in numerous countries throughout June, CAN proudly supports and encourages its members' healthy interactions across gender, gender expression, ability, military service, political philosophies, ideology, faith, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship-status, sex, sexual orientation, marital and parental status, and other identities represented within the community. This month, we hope you embrace unity, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equal rights and social justice for LGBTQ+ individuals. Happy Pride Month!

By: Sydney Marks
www.canportal.org

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