The New York City parade traveled 51 blocks to Central Park and the marchers covered 15 city blocks. In fact, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago all celebrated their first pride parades a year later on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. A small group of gay and lesbian activists came up with the idea to commemorate the event with a gathering. The riots continued for several evenings and changed the LGBTQIA community forever. That evening was the one that broke the camel’s back. On this particular evening, things got ugly and a riot broke out. There were raids from time to time but it was a place to gather and be with other people like yourself. During the fifties and sixties, gay clientele would regularly meet up in bars even though it was risky and sometimes dangerous. On this day police had raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. Why is gay pride celebrated in June? Celebrating June Pride Month coincides with the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City on June 28, 1969. Where else can you see scantily clothed marchers, politicians, religious leaders, business people, drag queens, and everyone in between coming together to walk the streets on a hot summer day? How did it all begin? Sit back, grab a cold one and read on.
I’m pretty certain that the phrase “over the top” came out of a pride celebration. I can tell you that some of those early parties might have been smaller but they were fun, that’s for sure. I’ve been attending gay parades and celebrations since my 20s. But it’s also the time when lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, friends, and allies around the world celebrate June Pride Month. The start of summer, the end of the school year, my birthday. This year is still tricky and events may be canceled or date changed. Please be sure to check your local listings for dates, times, and the schedule of Pride celebrations.