Do you know that Gay Pride Month or LGBT Pride Month is held during the month of June? Gay pride or LGBT pride is the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people to promote their self-affirmation, dignity, equality rights, increase their visibility as a social group, build community, and celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance.

The month of June was chosen for LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by members of the gay (LGBT) community against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. They are widely considered to constitute the most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBT rights in the United States.

Ranging from solemn to carnivalesque, pride events are typically held during LGBT Pride Month or some other period that commemorates a turning point in a country’s LGBT history, for example Moscow Pride in May for the anniversary of Russia’s 1993 decriminalization of homosexuality. Some pride events include LGBT pride parades and marches, rallies, commemorations, community days, dance parties, and festivals.

Common symbols of pride are the rainbow or pride flag, the lowercase Greek letter lambda (λ), the pink triangle and the black triangle, these latter two reclaimed from use as badges of shame in Nazi concentration camps.

In 2019, the largest international celebration of LGBT pride in history, Stonewall 50 – WorldPride NYC 2019 is held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. In New York City, the Stonewall 50 – WorldPride NYC 2019 events shall include a welcome center during the weeks surrounding the Stonewall 50 – WorldPride NYC 2019 events that will be open to all. Additional commemorative arts, cultural, and educational programming to mark the 50th anniversary of the rebellion at the Stonewall Inn will be taking place throughout the city and the world.

However, from both outside and inside the LGBT community, there is criticism and protest against pride events.

If you do not celebrate LGBT Pride Month, you could still share the spirit by acknowledging sexual diversity and gender variance. Encourage others to not discriminate or even conduct violence towards LGBT people, and to report any discrimination or violence towards them.

What about you? Tell us your favorite LGBT Pride Month activity, or share your most memorable LGBT Pride Month celebration.