Today, many organizations have adopted that flag, also adding the colors of the transgender pride flag - baby blue and light pink - to represent that community as well. In 2017, Philadelphia added a black and brown stripe to their flag to symbolically represent LGBTQ people of color who have often felt marginalized from their own community. To some, the rainbow flag also signifies power, rebellion and hope. Created by Gilbert Baker, a renowned San Francisco activist, the flag was flown for the first time at the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day celebration.Īccording to Baker, what inspired him about the rainbow was that it represented all the genders, races and stands for “the rainbow of humanity.” Each of the six colors of the rainbow flag represent a different aspect of the LGBTQ movement including life, healing, sunlight, nature, serenity and spirit. The rainbow flag is universally recognized as the symbol for LGBTQ pride. Related: 12 people share their coming-out stories in honor of Pride Month What is the Pride symbol? In 1999, President Bill Clinton officially declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, setting aside the month as a time to recognize the LGBTQ community’s achievements and support the community. Pride Month had humble beginnings: It initially began as Gay Pride Day, observed annually on the last Sunday in June.Īs awareness increased, more activities and events were planned throughout the month and eventually, it evolved into the month-long observance, aptly named Pride Month. (NY Daily News via Getty Images) How did Pride Month begin? The resulting clash led to days of riots and protests, known as the Stonewall Uprising. On June 28, 1969, patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a popular bar with a diverse LGBTQ clientele, stood their ground after police raided the establishment. New York, in particular, had a rule that the simple presence of someone gay or gender queer counted as disorderly conduct, effectively outlawing gay bars. In the late 1960s, being openly gay was largely prohibited in most places. Pride Month is observed in June to honor the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a touchstone event in LGBTQ history that laid the foundation for Pride. Through these efforts, the LGBTQ community and its allies also aim to increase awareness over ongoing issues of inequality as well as commemorate the lives lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS.
AMERICAN GAY FLAG WALLPAPER SERIES
Pride Month celebrates LGBTQ culture, achievements and activism through a series of organized activities, including film festivals, art exhibits, marches, concerts and other programs.
AMERICAN GAY FLAG WALLPAPER FULL
That said, Pride celebrations can last anywhere from several days to a full week, and they often include marches, speeches, outdoor festivals, concerts, performances and workshops.īelow, we've answered all of your top questions about Pride Month, including why it's celebrated in June and how the rainbow flag came to be a universal symbol of solidarity. "The number and variety of Pride events throughout the country and the world reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ community both in the United States and abroad,” GLAAD writes on their website. And while it's a time to look toward a fairer, kinder future, it's also a moment to recognize all of the advances - and setbacks - in the last few decades. June is Pride Month, inspiring a host of events around the world.īut what is Pride Month exactly? The rainbows and glitter may catch your eye, but the month-long celebration is really a call for greater unity, visibility and equality for the LGBTQ community.