Pride Month is celebrated every June to honor the legacy of the Stonewall Uprising—a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history that marks the foundation of the modern gay rights movement in the United States. In 1969, police routinely raided bars where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people gathered, enforcing laws that criminalized their identities and social spaces. On June 28, 1969, a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City sparked spontaneous resistance from patrons and the surrounding community, leading to several days of demonstrations and confrontations.​
This uprising became a rallying point for LGBTQ+ activism nationwide, resulting in the first Pride March on June 29, 1970, which commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall events. The Stonewall Inn has since been recognized as a National Historic Landmark, and was designated a national monument in 2016 due to its significance in advancing civil rights for LGBTQ+ people. Pride Month now represents visibility, solidarity, and continued advocacy for equal rights, celebrated across communities through parades, educational events, and acts of remembrance.​
Sources:
Britannica. (2025, September 30). Stonewall riots | Definition, Significance, & Facts. https://www.britannica.com/event/Stonewall-riots ​
National Park Service. (2025, July 11). History & Culture - Stonewall National Monument. https://www.nps.gov/ston/index.htm​
Library of Congress. (2018, January 7). 1969: The Stonewall Uprising - LGBTQIA+ Studies: A Resource Guide. https://www.loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/about/​