By Motus
June 15, 2022
During the month of June, Pride celebrations, from parades to parties to protests, take place across the country and around the world. Companies change their logos, individuals and businesses display their pride flags, and cities hold distinctly local celebrations to share their support of the LGBTQIA+ community. But how did Pride Month begin? And what can we do to become better LGBTQIA+ allies?
In the summer of 1969, New York police raided Stonewall Inn, an establishment that opened its doors to gay, lesbian and transgender patrons. While police raids on similar establishments were not uncommon at the time, that night, patrons outside the Stonewall Inn became increasingly angered and resisted the violence and harassment of the authorities in protest. In the following days, continued protests, sometimes involving thousands of people, flared up in the area.
The following year, to mark the anniversary, the first Pride parade began at the Stonewall Inn. That same year and in the years to come, more and more organizers across major cities in the U.S. set up their own parades to celebrate Pride. In 1978, artist Gilbert Baker of San Francisco created the rainbow flag that is recognized today as a symbol of the LGBTQIA+ community.
It wasn’t until 1999 that June was declared “Gay & Lesbian Pride Month” by President Bill Clinton. President Barack Obama continued the advancement and recognition of gay rights by declaring June “LGBT Pride Month” in 2009 and, in 2016, declaring the Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park and the surrounding streets and sidewalks a national monument. Further, it wasn’t until the Obergefell v. Hodges decision on June 26, 2015 that same-sex marriage was made legal nationwide, one of several modern legal decisions that was celebrated by LGBTQIA+ community members, supporters and activists alike.
Celebrating Pride Month is open to all, and there are many ways to celebrate or show your support.
Show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community in your area by attending local parades and events!
Two of our Motus team members celebrated Pride month by attending events in their local community. Wifredo Chacon, Associate DevOps Engineer attended the Miami Beach Pride event with friends and family. Craig Jensen, Product Owner II, celebrated LGBTQIA+ at Milwaukee Pridefest. Check out our Instagram for photos from their experiences!
Find Pride celebrations near you!
The fight for broader acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community continues, every day. Volunteer your time to join other advocates or donate to help organizations and those in need. Our team member Wifredo Chacon spent time this month volunteering with the Pride Club at his alma mater, Florida International University, which works to create an environment of empowerment, affirmation, and inclusion for all Panthers of diverse genders and orientations through education, advocacy, and celebration.
Explore groups you can get involved with!
Broaden your perspective and understanding by exploring stories, articles, shows and more. There are plenty of documentaries, movies and TV shows to help broaden your understanding of the LGBTQIA+. Our Motus team members also have the opportunity to participate in company-wide guided learning and discussion sessions – all part of our commitment to celebrating Pride as a community
Explore more educational resources on the LGBTQIA+ community!
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