Nowadays, when we think of Pride, we tend to think of parades, bright colours, and celebrations! It’s a celebration of sexual identity without fear of oppression. For many, it symbolizes freedom, human rights, and the fight to obtain said rights. Sadly, those struggles continue to this day, which is why it is so important to learn about the movement. Here are some fun facts about Pride to clue you in on its societal importance.
1. The Pride movement was sparked by the Stonewall Uprising
Many credit the creation of the LGBTQIA+ movement to the Stonewall Uprising. Although it was by no means the only thing that led to the creation of the movement, it was key in sparking interest and concern.
2. The Stonewall Uprising took place in 1969.
Beginning on June 28th, 1969, the Stonewall Uprising was an event that saw police raiding a gay bar known as the Stonewall Inn. It was known as a safe place for LGBTQIA+ people. The raid sparked riots and six days of protests! Today, the Stonewall Inn is still open and is a national monument.
3. A year after the Stonewall Uprising, Pride parades began.
Gay liberation marches, now seen as the original Pride parades, began one year after the Stonewall Uprising in cities across the country. The marches drew the attention and presence of thousands upon thousands of people as well as mass media coverage.
4. You can show your support by attending a Pride parade.
Pride is celebrated every year, and many people celebrate by attending Pride festivals in their local cities as well as Pride parades. Nowadays, hundreds of parades take place across the US, with some of the biggest ones taking place in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and more. Pride parades have made their way across the world, too, with several taking place in the UK, for example.
5. The Society for Human Rights is one of the most important gay rights organizations.
Chicago’s Society for Human Rights was founded by Henry Gerber in 1924, and predates Pride as the oldest documented gay rights organization in the US. In 2015, the Henry Gerber House was declared a National Historic Landmark.
6. 2015 was one of the most important years for gay rights.
In 2015, the United States Supreme Court finally legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states! This meant that states could no longer refuse or deny same-sex marriages – a huge leap forward for society.
7. The first Pride flag was made in 1978.
Gilbert Baker designed the very first Pride flag in 1978. Originally, the flag had eight stripes, and first flew on Gay Pride Day in 1978! Since then, multiple flags and emblems have been designed to represent orientations as diverse as asexuality and pansexuality.
8. Pride dates vary across the nation.
Pride may occur at a different time for you than it does for someone one state over. That is because Pride is celebrated at different moments in the year, depending on the city. For example, while some celebrate in June, others celebrate Pride more in October.
FAQs about Pride
What does Pride mean in LGBT?
For the LGBTQIA+ community, the use of the word “pride” can mean multiple things. For many, it means accepting and celebrating who you are, who you love, and your right to do both. It’s also a symbol of coming out against oppressive laws, segregation, discrimination, harassment, and violence simply because of one’s innate sexuality.
Who started gay Pride?
In 1969, the first-ever Pride march, to be held in New York City, was proposed by Ellen Broidy, Fred Sargeant, Linda Rhodes, and Craig Rodwell. Since the late 60s, regular Pride events have taken place across the US each year, and widespread across the world, too.
Where is the most famous gay pride parade?
Although there are many famous parades around the world, it is believed that the most famous parade is held every year in New York City. It’s typically held every June, so make sure to attend and show your support if you’re visiting during summer.
Further reading
https://facts.uk/tag/Society/
https://www.misterbandb.com/gay-events/united-states/gay-pride
https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/celebrate-pride-with-us
Do you know any interesting facts about Pride? Share them in the comments below!