Celebrating Pride Month: Reflecting, Empowering, and Uniting in the U.S.

NYC Pride has announced its 2024 theme: "Reflect. Empower. Unite," highlighting marquee events that will celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and mark the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and the 40th anniversary of Heritage of Pride. This theme sets the tone for a month of remembrance, empowerment, and unity as we honor the history and progress of LGBTQ+ rights. June is dedicated to celebrating Pride and the For this article, I wanted to focus on how Pride began in the U.S. and how the LGBTQ+ community has been supported across the country over the years, all while embracing the theme “Reflect. Empower. Unite.”

Reflecting on the Birth of Pride in the U.S.

Reflecting on the origins of Pride, the first march in the United States was held on June 28, 1970, in New York City to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. This pivotal event is considered by many to be the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Last year marked an extraordinary celebration, with 50 years since the first Pride march in New York City. Pride marches have since become an annual tradition across the U.S., spreading to numerous cities and towns and reflecting the diverse ways in which the country celebrates and supports the LGBTQ+ community.

Empowering Through Milestones in U.S. Pride Celebrations

Here are some key milestones in the history of Pride celebrations across the United States, which have empowered the LGBTQ+ community over the decades (this list is by no means exhaustive!):

* 1974: San Francisco held its first Pride parade, which has since grown into one of the largest and most iconic Pride events in the world.

* 1980: The first Southern Decadence festival, often referred to as New Orleans' "Gay Mardi Gras," took place, becoming a major event in the LGBTQ+ calendar.

* 1982: Chicago's Pride parade became an annual event, reflecting the city's growing support for LGBTQ+ rights.

* 1993: The March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation drew hundreds of thousands to the nation's capital, demanding equal rights.

* 2000: Vermont became the first state to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples.

* 2003: The Supreme Court's Lawrence v. Texas decision struck down sodomy laws, a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights.

* 2015: The Supreme Court's landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.* 2020: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Pride events were held virtually, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the LGBTQ+ community.

* 2021: The Biden administration reinstated protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace and other areas, reversing previous rollbacks.

Uniting Through Allyship

At Partnerize, promoting allyship is crucial to fostering an inclusive and equal space for all, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, background, or other characteristics. An ally is typically someone who is not a member of a marginalized group but actively supports and advocates for those who are. You can be an ally to various groups, including different racial and ethnic groups, religions, LGBTQ+ identities, and people with disabilities. Making assumptions about a person's sexuality, gender, or sex based on heteronormative ideas is unacceptable. Instead, we should strive to learn about and respect all individuals' identities and experiences.

Allyship in the workplace is particularly important for promoting inclusion and equality. Research shows that having just one active ally in the workplace can reduce the likelihood of suicidal thoughts among LGBTQ+ individuals by 40%. We can all take action to promote a safe space, actively listen, and direct individuals to appropriate resources.

Unite in Celebration and Support

For further information on how Pride is celebrated across the U.S., I recommend exploring the following resources:

* Human Rights Campaign

* GLAAD

* The Trevor Project

* PFLAG

By learning more and supporting the LGBTQ+ community, we can all contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. As we celebrate Pride Month, remember to reflect on the history, empower those around us, and unite in the ongoing fight for equality.