How Americans Celebrate Pride

Love is love, and every summer, it’s amplified through pride. Every June, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) community celebrate diversity and pride for self-love. Zoe wanted to explain the history of Pride and how Americans celebrate the month.

How Pride Started

On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City. This raid led to multiple riots from people in the LGBTQ+ community. The Stonewall riots are known as the “tipping point” for the gay liberation movement while paving the way for LGBTQ+ rights. Thus, June becoming Pride month. 

The Pride Flag 

The pride flag was created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, an American artist, gay rights activist, and U.S. Army veteran. Each color on the flag has a special meaning: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony, and violet for spirit.

(Source: Washingtonian)

Pride Events in America  

In-person events flood the month with different parades, concerts, marches, workshops, and more. IMajority of pride events were virtual in 2020, but in person events are resurfacing in 2021. Below are places that have Pride events and a strong LGBTQ+ community. 

Portland, Oregon

The pride festival and activities started in 1977 in Portland, Oregon. Portland celebrates festivals, parades, and celebrations all over the town. There is also a two-day festival at Waterfront Park. 

Washington, D.C. 

The first DC Pride event started in 1975 as a one day block-party and festival. There are multiple pride events throughout the city including Paint the Town Colorful, the Colorful Pridemobile Parade, Taste of Pride Brunch and more.  

New York

The first pride event in the US was the Christopher Street Liberation March in 1970. This was a protest march due to the Stonewall Riots. The theme for NYC Pride this year is “the fight continues'' as they have multiple campaigns fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. New York pride events include The Rally, The March, Pridefest and more. 

Chicago, Illinois 

The pride events in Chicago's central location is Boystown, a community of clubs, restaurants, and shops that all support and are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride events include The Chicago Pride Parade, The Pride Festival, and more. 

Los Angeles, California

LA Pride theme this year is “Thrive with Pride”. Events include LGBTQ+ Pride Night at Dodgers Stadium, Thrive with Pride Celebration on ABC7, community service events through Pride Makes a Difference and more. 

Denver, Colorado

Denver’s LGBTQ+ community typically celebrate with a two-day event in the Civic Center Park. This year they will have a 5K virtual and in-person race, a virtual pride parade, and pride hubs in different venues around the city. 

New Orleans, Louisiana 

The first pride event in New Oreleans is dated back to the 1970s, however they’ve been LGBTQ+ Mardi Gras since 1949. Pride typically takes place in the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny neighborhoods. Events include Retro Night, Family Equality Day, and more. 

San Francisco, California 

The theme for San Francisco pride is “All in This Together”. Events include Pride Night at Oracle Park, Golf Night, and Pride Movie Nights. 

(Source: CNN)

Pride is widely recognized all over America with multiple different events. If you’re near, there are countless opportunities to participate in this month all over. Zoe believes representation matters, and showing love, kindness, and support to the LGBTQ+ is a start.