LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights, with events ranging from parades to community gatherings worldwide 

Origins and Significance:

Pride Month began as a way to commemorate the Stonewall Riots in New York City on June 28, 1969, when police raids on the Stonewall Inn sparked six days of protests and became a turning point for the gay rights movement. The first Pride marches were held in 1970 in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, marking a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ visibility and activism 

In the U.S., June was officially recognized as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in 1999 by President Bill Clinton, expanded in 2011 to include the entire LGBTQIA+ community, and reaffirmed by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Purpose of the Month

Pride Month is a time to:

• Celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture, history, and contributions to society 
• Honor activists and community leaders such as Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé DeLarverie 
• Raise awareness about ongoing challenges, including hate crimes, discrimination, and health disparities 
• Promote education and allyship, encouraging open expression and safe living 

How It’s Celebrated

Events vary by location but often include:

• Parades and marches (NYC Pride Fest is June 28th)
• Festivals, picnics, and block parties with music, art, and food 
• Workshops, symposia, and cultural performances 
• Memorials for those lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS
• Community center programs offering wellness, career support, and advocacy 

How to Observe

You can participate by:

• Attending local Pride events or parades.
• Joining or organizing fundraisers and awareness campaigns.
• Sharing LGBTQIA+ stories and history on social media using hashtags like #PrideMonth 
• Supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations and services.

In short: Pride Month is both a celebration of LGBTQIA+ resilience and a call to continue fighting for equality. Across the U.S. and beyond, June 2026 will feature vibrant parades, cultural gatherings, and advocacy efforts honoring the Stonewall legacy and the community’s ongoing journey toward full rights and visibility 

The Imperial Sovereign Court of All CT Plans attend the above referenced Pride Festivals. Click the Pride Logo to see our fabulous photos!

**Those members wishing to attend a Pride Festival and Need Volunteer hours please contact one of the Monarchs!**