Pride Month, June 2023
Every June we celebrate Pride Month! It is a month of LGBTQ+ celebration. Pride Month marks one of the defining moments in LGBTQ+ history. It is a month of acceptance, love and celebration for all queer and trans people. However, it is also a reminder of how much our ancestors have fought for our rights.
History of the LGBTQ+ Movement in the US
Pride is widely accepted, and events take place all around the world. Yet, its history had a different beginning. Pride is rooted in political protests. It all started with the Stonewall riots.
In the 1960s, as well as in the decades before, LGBTQ+ people experienced violence, police brutality, and discrimination. Therefore, the community would often seek shelter in gay bars and nightclubs. Nevertheless, police and law enforcement would raid and harass these venues because of their affiliation with illegal activities and LGBTQ+ people.
One day, on June 28th 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, queer and trans people finally decided to fight back. What followed were three nights of rebellion and resistance to anti-LGBTQ+ violence and police brutality. The Stonewall riots came out of a necessity to be recognised as equals, demanding for basic human rights. Trans people of colour were at the forefront of this fight.
In 1970, to mark one year of the Stonewall riots, demonstrations and protests took place in New York City. These demonstrations happened every year and eventually, led to what we now know as Pride.
What used to be a protest has turned into a celebration of LGBTQ+ lives. While progress has been made, many trans people are still fighting for their right to exist and live freely as themselves.
Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community
Amidst all the anti-LGBTQ+ violence, we want to take a moment to celebrate the entire community. Being LGBTQ+ is a defiance of social gender norms and expectations of heterosexual masculinity and femininity.
We are a diverse community that dares to love one another despite what the outside world expects. There is beauty in queer and trans identities. We all have different experiences, depending on our intersectional identity and culture. However, what brings us together is the mutual understanding that being yourself and loving who you love is not a choice.
Pride Dates
World Pride was hosted in Sydney this year. While it took place between the 17th of February till the 5th of March, there are many more events to come this summer.
Key UK and Ireland Dates 2023
- Dublin: 24th of June
- Edinburgh: 24th of June
- London: 1st of July
- London Trans+ Pride will also be returning in 2023, taking place on July 8th. This protest will begin at Trafalgar Square.
- Brighton Trans+ Pride: 15th of July
- Liverpool: 30th of July
- Brighton: 5th – 6th of August
- Manchester: 25th – 28th of August
- For a more comprehensive list of all pride events in the UK and Ireland, please visit the Gay Pride Shop Calendar.
Key US Dates 2023
- Los Angeles: 9th – 11th of June
- New York City: 17th – 25th of June
- Chicago: 17th – 25th of June
- Houston: 23rd of June
- For a more comprehensive list of all pride events in the US, visit this website.
If you do not live in the UK, Ireland or US, do not worry. Travelgay has created a full list of ALL pride parades and protests around the world. You can filter this list in accordance with the month and your location.
Lastly, we want to hear from our readers. As we celebrate Pride around the world, the meaning of it is different for everyone. We want to know:
What does Pride mean to you?
If you identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, especially if you identify as trans or gender diverse, please share your answer with us. You can @ us on Twitter or Instagram @gendergp.
We wish all of our LGBTQ+ patients and team members a wonderful Pride month. May we all celebrate and uplift each other!