Each year millions of people travel across the world to celebrate Pride celebrations.  However, not too many people are aware of its history.  On Saturday, June 28, 1969 police officers decided to raid the Stonewall Inn, a known gay bar on Christopher Street in the Greenwich Village section of New York City.  This gay bar’s many patrons were people of color and drag queens.  The officers went in assuming they’d close the bar and make arrests in peace as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community were considered weak.  They received a surprise as the patrons (mainly those of color) resisted arrest as officers used weapons to physically assault them.  It’s been said that these patrons were fighting for multiple reasons including racism and homophobia.  This was the first time in history where a substantial amount of individual in the LGBTQ community resisted arrest and stood up for change.  Today the Stonewall riots are known as the beginning of the gay rights movement.  
That following year on Sunday, June 29, 1970, a march organized by the Gay Liberation Front Organization took place to recognize the first anniversary of the riots.  This march was from Greenwich Village to Central Park in New York City.   San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago all held marches in their cities the same weekend, to commemorate the Stonewall riots.  These marches were called numerous things including, “Gay Liberation” and “Gay Freedom”, but today they’re universally known as “Gay Pride.” In the years to follow Atlanta,  Minneapolis, Denver, Houston, Tampa, St. Louis, Santa Fe, Seattle, Oklahoma City, and other countries began having “Gay Pride” marches all held on the last Sunday in June to honor Stonewall. 
The parades still take place today although some original participants, including those who participated in the riots are no longer involved or around.  Parades are now also dedicated to anti-LGBTQ violence and victims of AIDS.  However, over the years, “Gay Pride” has changed and become more party focused and considered a hook-up festival versus celebration.   The purpose is becoming unclear and soon, nonexistent.  It’s everyone in the community’s responsibility to educate themselves and others to keep the legacy moving forward as “Stonewall” is not over.
Today, the LGBTQ community is still fighting for equality including the right to marry.  The first march held in 1970 was not geared solely towards celebrating and honoring those involved in the Stonewall riots.  Its purpose was to move forward and fight (not physically) for acceptance, respect, and regards equally as individuals. 
In closing, there’s one question that still remains: When you attend “Gay Pride” this year, will you be a part of the celebration or are you just a visitor?  Nonetheless, whatever your reason is, be careful and protect yourself!
 
To learn more about the Stonewall Riots , visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonewall_riots
 
For Gay Pride Celebrations across the world, visit: http://www.gaycities.com/events/

As Always,

LIVE|Laugh|LIVE|Love|LIVE

Shenna Nanette