As we come to the end of June, we continue to celebrate pride month, which takes place in June every year. Events take place across the globe, from festivals and parades to themed parties and celebrations.
Pride month takes place to commemorate the Stonewall Riots in 1969. These were as a result of police raiding a gay bar called the ‘Stonewall Inn’ – people started retaliating and support grew for the movement, with the first pride parade occurring in 1970. Unfortunately, it took until 1999 for the US federal government to recognise pride month. Another 23 years later, we still have a long way to go, but there have been some huge milestones, including the first same-sex marriage in Amsterdam in 2001.
Awareness is ever-increasing, partially due to pride events and celebrations, which take place throughout the year. For those based in the UK, there are a few upcoming pride parades:
- London trans pride – 9th July
- Brighton trans pride – 5th August
- Lincoln pride – 20th August
- Manchester pride – 27th August
There are a plethora of resources available online, including specific information on the 1969 Stonewall riots, pride month and LGBTQ+ support.
The University of Lincoln wellbeing centre also has a dedicated well-being advisor as well as a counselling service, for anybody who want support or guidance in relation to their gender or sexuality.