June Pride Month 2024 

June is PRIDE month, a special time dedicated to honoring the LGBTQ+ community and celebrating love, diversity and inclusion.

PRIDE stands for Personal Rights in Defense and Education, highlighting the importance of embracing LGBTQ+ identities, defending equal rights and learning about LGBTQ+ issues and history. This month, we remember the historic Stonewall Riots of 1969, recognize the courageous individuals who have fought for rights and celebrate progress. Join us in wishing the LGBTQ+ community a month filled with joy, celebration and pride and through various events, stories, and resources.

Spotlight on LGBTQ+ Prominent Historic Figures

Marsha P. Johnson remains one of the most prominent figures of the gay rights movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s. She is said to have always supported a smile and advocated for homeless LGBT+ youth and those affected by H.I.V/AIDS. She is often most well known for her engagement in the Stonewall Riots, a result of the raid on The Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969. The raid on Stonewall galvanized the gay rights movement and the first Gay Pride Parade took place the following year. Learn more at The National Women’s History Museum website.

Matthew Shephard - His untimely passing in 1998 prompted his parents Judy and Dennis Shepard, to start the Matthew Shepard Foundation to honor his life and aspirations. By sharing their story via personal appearances and across the country and around the world, Judy and Dennis Shepard are changing hearts and minds by sharing Matthew’s story while highlighting the importance of standing up for the LGBT community. Learn more about The Matthew Shepard Project here.

Harvey Milk is known for becoming one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. Sean Penn played Harvey Milk in the movie Milk and won an Oscar for his work in that film. Visit The Harvey Milk Foundation to learn more about this trailblazer.

Community Resources

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) – “The Human Rights Campaign and Human Rights Campaign Foundation fight to make equality, equity and liberation a reality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people… changing hearts and minds through… visibility and support for the diverse LGBTQ+ community in all aspects of our identities; and transforming the institutions and systems that shape our everyday lives by advancing LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices in schools, workplaces, hospitals, communities and beyond.”

GLAAD – Founded in 1985, GLAAD is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change. This organization works to ensure fair, accurate and inclusive representation while creating and maintaining national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance. GLAAD serves as a storyteller, media force, resource, and advocate while tackling tough issues and creating dialogue so that authentic LGBTQ stories are seen, heard and actualized. A primary aim is to protect all that has been accomplished and create a world where everyone can live the life they love.

Events Calendar Worldwide

Pride events, parades and information, on a global scale can be found on the ILGTA website calendar.

Happy Pride Month!