![when and where was the first gay pride parade when and where was the first gay pride parade](https://s1.r29static.com/bin/entry/4a5/0,675,2000,1050/x,80/1613255/image.jpg)
Expect the police presence to be especially heavy as a response to the Orlando shooting.įor LGBTQ individuals and allies over 21, there are a lot of alcohol-themed celebrations, which means that there might be some people walking around who have had too much to drink, or have engaged in substance abuse. Police members will direct the parade through and around traffic, as well as act as a support system in case any problems arise. But despite the LGBTQ’s tumultuous history with police, they’re actually there to protect YOU. You will notice a police presence, especially at the Parade, which might be surprising. It’s easy to get carried away with the celebratory nature of Pride, so make sure to stay hydrated under the hot June sun as you cheer, dance, and march alongside the parade. Face paint, beads, coconut bras, platform shoes, rainbow tights, hair dye, flags-as-dresses, and jeans and T-shirts are all appropriate Pride outfits. A lot of people wear rainbow-inspired outfits to Pride, but you don't have to feel obligated to do so. Whatever you feel happy and confident in! Definitely check the weather and dress appropriately depending on temperature and chance of rain (and make sure to wear sunscreen!). Pride is about celebrating the LGBTQ community - it's NOT about making anyone uncomfortable or shutting people out. Don't be afraid that attending Pride might out you, since many people attend Pride do not identify as LGBTQ themselves. If you're still questioning your sexuality or aren't ready to come out, Pride could be a good opportunity to meet other members of the community who may also be questioning, or meet people who are out and proud and hear about their experiences. Pride is for anybody who identifies as LGBTQ or is an ally of the LGBTQ community. Some people go alone, and others go with a group of friends or their partner(s) regardless, the events are marked with a beautiful feeling of unity.ĭo I have to identify as LGBTQ to attend? What if I'm not out or am still questioning? Whole families attend, sometimes with their pets in tow, grandparents stroll through holding hands - even the squirrels and birds watch from surrounding trees. The point of the walk is to show support and love for the LGBTQ community.Įveryone! Gay, straight, bisexual, asexual, genderqueer, trans people, allies, the list goes on. Participants hold signs, honk horns, throw beads, blast music, blow into flutes, attempt cartwheels, ride bikes, and sometimes just walk through the city or town center on a pre-planned route, led by marshals, volunteers, and police members. Various groups (schools, sports teams, bank employees, art clubs, bands, dance squads, you name it) sign up ahead of time to participate in the official march. The Pride Parade is considered the main event of Pride month, and generally falls on a beautiful Saturday in June. Most major cities have websites with calendars for Pride, so be sure to do some Googling or reach out to community members and groups to find out which events are happening near you, and when.
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Many people think the Pride celebration begins and ends with the Pride Parade (or Pride March), but depending on where you live, the month of June can be brimming with LGBTQ celebrations, such as concerts, art shows, benefits, dances, film screenings, youth events, and more. Now, cities around the world have Pride marches and other events during the month to show support for LGBTQ individuals and pay homage to both past and current struggles. started organizing marches to remember this challenging, but poignant, moment in LGBTQ history. A year after the Stonewall raid, the Christopher Street Liberation Day March was organized to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, and soon other cities around the U.S. Gay activist groups starting forming, first locally and then across the globe, and promoted one unified mission: safety and equal rights for LGBTQ individuals. This night sparked a week-long riot that now represents a time when the LGBTQ community stood up for themselves and fought back against the bigotry they’d been facing for decades. What began as an attempt to catch the bar owners with bootlegged alcohol soon turned into a violent and discriminatory altercation between police and LGBTQ patrons.
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It was common for police to raid gay bars during this time, but on this particular night, the LGBTQ patrons fought back and the situation escalated quickly. On June 28, 1969, a police raid occurred at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City. While Pride month and the various events that are part of it are generally viewed as celebratory and happy, the story of how Pride came to be is one marked with struggles and discrimination, which feels especially poignant to acknowledge after what happened in Orlando this past weekend.