Every June, the nation explodes into color for Pride Month; companies hasten to put out rainbow versions of their logos to show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. But few speak about why June was chosen as Pride Month.
The answer lies in the Stonewall uprisings. In a time where individuals could be denied jobs, discharged from the military, and barred from beaches and bars based on their sexuality alone, few spaces were safe for the queer community. The Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village was the only gay bar in New York City where dancing was allowed. The clientele was primarily male, though trans individuals, drag queens and lesbians were also known to frequent the Stonewall Inn.
On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall inn was raided by police, sparking a series of protests and demonstrations from the gay community in response. These protests—the Stonewall riots—are now recognized as a pivotal point in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in the United States. The one-year anniversary of the uprising prompted the first ever Gay Pride marches, and now every June marks a monthlong celebration of Pride.
Human rights for queer individuals have improved since Stonewall: in 2015, the United States made the historic decision to legalize gay marriage, a decade after our neighbors to the north. But the fight continues. Now, more than ever—with over 100 bills introduced this year aiming to limit the rights of transgender people across the country, with—it is important to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
SCOJO New York supports all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. We stand with those who are gay, lesbian, bi, trans, intersex, pan, ace, nonbinary, genderfluid, two-spirit, third-gender, queer or questioning. And though we might still have some ways to go before our world is truly equitable, we take Pride Month as an important reminder to celebrate the joys and accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ individuals. It’s inspiring to live in a reality where it’s possible to be safely out and proud, and we dream of a future where no one feels afraid to be their true, unique self.
At SCOJO New York, we know that the world would be less colorful, less beautiful and less rich without the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. We look forward to helping you celebrate your own unique, individual style.
Check out Christopher Street, inspired by the spirit of standing out and standing up for what you believe is right.
Happy Pride!