From June 1-June 30, people in America celebrate themselves and each other for never apologizing for who they are, and the word "pride" is a perfect fit. People of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other) community have worked long and hard for acceptance in this country. While everyone recognizes June as "Pride Month", some people may ask; why June? Whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or just a supporter, it is important to know the history.

Pre-Stonewall Inn

While the Stonewall Riot is probably the most well-known protest of the gay rights movement, it is not the first. Throughout the early 1900s, people continuously fought for gay rights and for people of the LGBTQ community to even be considered as actual human beings. The Society for Human Rights, founded in 1924, is the first known organization in America that spoke out for gay rights but was removed by police only a year later. In 1955, "The Daughters of Bilitis", the first lesbian rights organization was created in San Fransisco, California.

Only a few years before the Stonewall Riots, the Mattachine, another gay rights organization, protested at taverns where people would openly say their sexuality. The members of the organization threatened to sue bar owners and employees if they refused service.

The Stonewall Inn

Same-Sex Marriage

Even though people in the LGBTQ community have become more and more accepted around the world and in America, they still struggled for basic rights. One of which was the legal procedure of getting married. Due to the 10th Amendment in the United States Constitution that separates federal and state laws, not all states allowed same-sex marriages.

It was not until June 26, 2015, under President Barack Obama, that same-sex marriage became legal in all 50 states and the United States territories.

Also, on June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that Civil Rights protects all members of the LGBTQ community from any type of discrimination in the workplace.

Throughout the past 51 years, the month of June has been extremely significant to the LGBTQ community. It is a month of triumph and celebration that spreads through the entire country. It is important in times like these to love and accept one another no matter what. Always remember: love wins and never be ashamed of who you are.