It's June, so it's time for a little history lesson:
You probably know that June is Pride Month, but do you know why this month was chosen? It’s because of the Stonewall Riots that happened in June in the year 1969, in a bar called Stonewall Inn in New York (USA).
In the 60s, engaging in “gay behavior” in public (like holding hands, kissing or dancing) was illegal. Violent police raids of gay bars were common.
Especially trans women of color were regularly arrested and subjected to police brutality during those raids. Police officers would also sexually harass them by taking them to the bathroom to “verify their sex.”
In the early hours of June 28, 1969, there was one of those (homophobic and transphobic) police raids happening in the bar mentioned above.
According to many accounts, a woman named Stormé DeLarverie was hit by a police officer with a baton after she complained that her handcuffs were too tight. This sparked the crowd to fight back. They threw objects (such as pennies, bottles and stones) at the police, which ultimately led to several nights of rioting.
These riots are the event that paved the way for the modern gay rights movement. Within a few months, at least two organizations and three newspapers to promote LGBT+ rights were founded.
One year later, there was the first “Christopher Street Liberation Day” in New York (named after the street where the riots started). Their official chant was: “Say it loud, gay is proud.”
In the late 1970s, countries like Sweden and Germany celebrated their first “Christopher Street Liberation Day” events — the beginnings of Pride in Europe. Nowadays, there are Pride events all over the world.
Of course, this is just a short and simplified overview. If you want to deepen your knowledge, there are plenty of ways online to learn more about the history of Pride Month!
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