Purpose of Pride Month

Pride month is celebrated annually during the month of June, both in the US and other parts of the world. But why is it celebrated in June? Why's it celebrated at all, what's the point? What are some local events I can attend to celebrate? We'll get into all of that in this article!

The Significance of June

Pride month is celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. On June 28th 1969 the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York, was raided by police. Hundreds of the Inns' patrons and residents of the area participated in the violent uprising against police over the course of 6 days. The following year the first pride march took place on June 28th. The tradition has continued ever since. The Stonewall Riots were arguably one of the most significant events in queer history, and the launching point of the queer liberation movement.

The Point of Pride

Pride is an important celebration. It celebrates how far the queer community has come, and also stresses the progress that still must be made. But one of, if not the most, important reasons for pride month is the sense of belonging it promotes. It encourages both queer people and allies to participate in the movement for LGBTQ+ acceptance.

One upsetting argument that is often used against the importance of pride is that LGBTQ+ people aren't discriminated against anymore. This is unequivocally false. According to the CDC, in 2020 43% of transgender youths reported being bullied at school. 31% of bisexual youths, and 29% of gay and lesbian youths reported the same thing. As opposed to 11% of straight and cisgender students. However, LGBTQ+ people are not just discriminated against socially, but legally as well. 28 states have no laws banning conversion therapy, (often abusive places LGBTQ+ youth are sent to "become straight/cisgender") INCLUDING MINNESOTA. Many schools have even instituted laws to prevent queer history from being taught, or even talked about, in schools. here have been 240 anti LGBTQ+ laws filed in 2022 so far. The scariest thing about these laws and bills is they are new. Some states are making backwards progress. These statistics show celebrating pride and making queer voices heard is more important than ever.

Local Events

There are many events to celebrate pride in Minnesota. At Champlin Park in particular there will be stickers and rainbow ribbons available during lunch. There will be a table in the lunch room by the auditorium doors on June 6th and 7th. Here's a list of some events that are not school affiliated (click for links):

• Festival of Youth: May 28th, Brooklyn Center

• Come as You Are (Pride Art Exposition): June 3rd, Bloomington MN

• Youth Pride: June 18th, Saint Paul MN

• The 2022 Twin Cities pride festival: June 25-26th,Minneapolis MN

• Many more listed at tcpride.org