Pride Month occurs in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall riots of June 1969. Many pride events occur during this month in honor of the impact the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more (LGBTQIA+) community has had in the world.

On June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, where members of the LGBTQIA+ community gathered, arresting the employees for selling liquor without a license, physically harming patrons, and forcing them into paddy wagons.

Crowds outside the establishment became enraged, insulting the police, throwing coins, bottles, and debris at them, forcing the police to barricade themselves in the bar until backup arrived.

Roughly 400 people partook in riots for the next five days, igniting what has been referred to as the Stonewall Uprising and providing the inspiration for the LGBTQIA+ rights movements in the United States.

Several protests against the poor treatment of LGBTQIA+ members have occurred before and after the Stonewall incident. Today, protests continue in hopes of finding equal justice for all humans. Many cities and towns have organized support groups for those struggling to find acceptance, including Nederland and Gilpin County.

Though the pursuit of equal justice is ongoing for the LGBTQIA+ community, the community’s pride and accomplishments are celebrated during colorful festivals, boasting parades, workshops, picnics, parties, and sometimes celebrity appearances.

To learn more about pride month, visit https://www.loc.gov/lgbt-pridemonth/ about/.