LGBT Pride Month 2018: What to know about its history, events, parades
Every summer in the United States, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and allies come together for a month-long celebration of love, diversity, acceptance and unashamed self-pride.
Here's everything you need to know about LGBT Pride Month.
What is LGBT Pride Month?
The commemorative month is meant to recognize the sweeping impact that LGBT individuals, advocates and allies have on history in the U.S. and around the globe, according to the Library of Congress
When is it?
LGBT Pride Month is celebrated every year in June, with a series of events and parades taking place across the nation.
Why is it in June?
The month of June was chosen for LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the riots held by members of the LGBT community against a police raid that took place at the Stonewall Inn in New York City on June 28, 1969.
The so-called Stonewall riots were a "tipping point" for the gay liberation movement in the United States, according to the Library of Congress. The uproar also paved the way for the modern fight for LGBT rights.
Previous presidents of the United States have, on several occasions, officially declared June as LGBT Pride Month.
How do people celebrate LGBT Pride Month?
LGBT Pride Month events draw millions of participants from around the world each year. Today, the month-long celebrations include pride parades, marches, parties, concerts, workshops and symposiums across the nation.
Memorials are also often held for members of the LGBT community who have lost their lives to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.
Timeline: Key Moments in Fight for Gay Rights
June celebrates LGBT Pride month, a look at some key moments in gay rights.
The rainbow LGBT flag is prominently displayed throughout the month. Gilbert Baker, an American artist, gay rights activist and U.S. Army veteran, created the flag in 1978 as a new symbol for the gay and lesbian political movement, at the suggestion of his friends and colleagues, including Harvey Milk, a San Francisco city supervisor and the first openly gay elected official in California. Milk was assassinated later that year.
According to Baker's website, the colors of the LGBT flag each have a meaning: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony and violet for spirit.
Baker died at the age of 65 on March 31, 2017, though his rainbow flag remains an iconic, powerful symbol for LGBT pride.
Where will LGBT Pride Month events take place this year?
A slew of official events will be held in various cities across the nation throughout the month of June. Here are some of the more prominent celebrations.
