Pride Month is an annual celebration held in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The Stonewall Uprising was a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, a popular gathering place for queer people. The uprising led to the formation of numerous LGBTQ+ organizations and sparked the modern gay rights movement.
On June 28, 1970, the first Pride march was held in New York City to commemorate the one-year-anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Since then, Pride Month has grown into a global celebration of love, diversity, acceptance, and self-affirmation. It is a time to recognize the impact that queer people have had on history, to raise awareness about ongoing challenges faced by the community, and to celebrate the progress made in the fight for equality.
Pride Month provides a platform for LGBTQ+ people to be visible, heard, and celebrated. Ultimately, Pride Month is a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and love within the queer community. Click on the Pride flag to learn more about the history of Pride!
YDL is celebrating Pride Month by featuring Pride book displays at each of our branches. Find more information about Pride— including the meanings of common flags and the stories of notable LQBTQ+ individuals—below.