Pride Month, the worldwide celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and rights, kicked off on June 1 with events around the globe
Image: Pexels
It is a month where rainbow colours come out in all their glory, asserting their presence and demanding recognition devoid of discrimination
Image: Unsplash
The occasion is marked by several events, marches, parades, festivities and remembrances dedicated to the LGBTQ community across the world
Image: Unsplash
Pride Month is observed in June to honour the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the US
Image: X/@GVSHP
On June 28, 1969, police raided Stonewall Inn, a popular gathering place for young members of the LGBTQ community in New York City's Greenwich Village
Image: X/@GVSHP
The police arrested the bar's employees for selling liquor without a license and physically assaulted many of the patrons as they forced them to leave the inn
Image: X/@MakingGayHistry
The violent raid sparked a series of protests and catalyzed the movement for LGBTQ+ rights. A year later, the first Pride march was held in NYC on June 28, 1970
Image: X/@insomniaverse
As awareness increased, more events were planned spanning the entire month and, eventually, Gay Pride Day evolved into the month-long recognition we now observe as Pride Month
Image: X/@larrytsjwaffle
The designation became official in 1999 when President Bill Clinton officially declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month
Image: File
Later in 2011, President Barack Obama emphasised the inclusive nature of the Pride movement by re-titling June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month