June is #PrideMonth! We honor the legacy of the Stonewall Uprising (1969) when LGBTQ+ people courageously fought back against police harassment in New York City.
The first Pride marches, held on June 28, 1970, in NYC, LA, and Chicago, began this powerful tradition of remembrance, celebration, and continued protest for queer rights.
Today, remembering this history is more vital than ever. As we face renewed challenges to LGBTQ+ rights, including restrictions on gender-affirming care, attacks on drag performances, and attempts to limit LGBTQ+ content in schools, the spirit of Stonewall reminds us that progress requires persistence and courage.
The activists who came before us didn't just hope for change – they demanded it, organized for it, and fought for it. Their legacy teaches us that rights aren't simply granted; they're won through collective action, visibility, and unwavering determination in the face of stubborn opposition.
Every single day, this entire month, I will be sharing stories of queer joy and liberation from our oppressors. Fighting together in #solidarity, we will overcome today’s struggles for justice too.
Photos source: The New York Public Library, Manuscripts and Archives Division, NYPL Digital Collections.