MORE THAN A CELEBRATION: A SHORT HISTORY OF PRIDE
- Shantay Davies-Balch
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Every June, communities across the world recognize Pride Month as a time to celebrate the strength, joy, and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. It is also a time to reflect on the movement’s deep roots in resistance. Pride was born out of a fight for basic human rights—a response to police violence, systemic oppression, and the demand to be seen, heard, and respected.
The Stonewall Uprising of 1969 marked a turning point in LGBTQ+ history, fueled by the courage of Black and Brown trans women, queer persons, and allies who refused to be silenced. Their bravery sparked a movement that continues to push for justice, safety, and liberation for all.
Stonewall Riots: The Catalyst for LGBTQ+ Rights
In the 1960s, LGBTQ+ individuals endured widespread discrimination, criminalization, and frequent violence at the hands of law enforcement. Across New York State, homosexuality was still considered a crime, and it would take more than a decade of activism before same-sex relationships were decriminalized in 1980 through the landmark case New York v. Onofre. Because of these laws, many gay bars and clubs operated without liquor licenses, making them easy targets for police raids and brutality.
Like many such venues at the time, the Stonewall Inn was owned by the mafia, which prioritized profits over the safety or wellbeing of patrons. Despite being poorly maintained, the Stonewall Inn and similar spaces offered something rare: a sense of belonging. They were spaces for those often marginalized even within the LGBTQ+ community, including drag queens, transgender individuals, and unhoused youth—creating community in an otherwise hostile world.
On June 28, 1969, a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City sparked a powerful uprising that became a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The patrons of the bar and residents resisted this raid, leading to several days of protest and confrontation in the streets of Greenwich Village. The tension escalated quickly when police began using excessive force and making arrests. The unrest grew from hundreds to thousands and lasted until July 1st, 1969.
These protests drew national attention, setting the stage for the formation of activist organizations and annual Pride marches. Powerful figures like Marsha P. Johnson, a Black drag queen, emerged from this movement as a powerful voice for gay and transgender rights. Johnson later co-founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) to support LGBTQ+ youth who had nowhere else to go. Learn more about Marsha P. Johnson here
After the Stonewall Riots
The Stonewall Uprising sparked a wave of change. What started as a stand against police mistreatment became a powerful movement for equality. Although, the riots weren’t the start of the gay rights movement, they strengthened LGBTQ+ efforts to organize, speak out, and demand their rights. New groups like the Gay Liberation Front, GLAAD, PFLAG, and the Human Rights Campaign were created to support and protect the LGBTQ+ community.
On June 28, 1970, one year after the Stonewall rights, thousands marched through the streets of New York City for the very first Pride parade. That day was known as Christopher Liberation Day, honoring the strength shown at Stonewall and showed the world that LGBTQ+ people would not be silenced anymore. Since then, Pride Month has grown into a celebration of identity, love, and freedom, while still calling attention to the work that remains.
In 2016, the Stonewall Inn and the surrounding areas were named a national monument by Former President Barack Obama.
Pride is more than rainbow flags and parades. It is about honoring the courageous people who came before us making sure everyone, especially Black and Brown LGBTQ+ persons felt seen, heard, and safe. There is still so much work that needs to be done to ensure equality.
Learn more and support!
You can learn more and support organizations working to support and uplift some of the most vulnerable in our communities, like these:
Fresno EOC LGBTQ+ Resource Center. This local resource creates a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals in the Central Valley. They offer virtual support groups, health referrals, case management, housing needs assessments, and more.
Marsha P. Johnson Institute. The Marsha P. Johnson Institute protects and defends the human rights of Black transgender people through advocacy, community building, and fellowships. They honor Marsha’s legacy by creating healing spaces, amplifying Black trans voices, and pushing for policy change.
The Okra Project. The Okra Project provides nutritional, utility, and transportation assistance, mental health support, and emergency resources to Black trans persons. These services and programs are available when applications are being accepted.
Sources to learn more:
CNN. “The First Gay Pride Parades.” CNN, 16 June 2016, https://www.cnn.com/2016/06/16/us/gallery/tbt-first-pride-parades/index.html. Accessed 4 June 2025.
History.com Editors. “1969 Stonewall Riots: Origins, Timeline & Leaders.” HISTORY, 31 May 2017, https://www.history.com/articles/the-stonewall-riots. Accessed 4 June 2025.
HISTORY. “How the Stonewall Riots Sparked a Movement.” YouTube, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9wdMJmuBlA. Accessed 4 June 2025.
Library of Congress. “1969: The Stonewall Uprising - LGBTQIA+ Studies: A Resource Guide.” Library of Congress, https://guides.loc.gov/lgbtq-studies/stonewall. Accessed 4 June 2025.
Rothberg, Emma. “Marsha P. Johnson.” National Women’s History Museum, 2022, https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/marsha-p-johnson. Accessed 4 June 2025.
