June is LGBT Pride Month

June is Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. New York has a proud tradition of bringing social issues to the forefront and leading the nation on progressive, civil rights initiatives, and let us all rededicate ourselves to ensure full equality for all of our state’s residents as part of celebrating LGBT Pride Month.

June was chosen as LGBT pride month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of June 1969. Many cite these events as the beginning of the gay liberation movement in the United States. Today, LGBT Pride Month is celebrated worldwide with festivals, parades, concerts, and parties where LGBT community members and allies gather to celebrate their pride, rights, contributions to society, openness and diversity. Since 2009, the White House has issued a yearly presidential proclamation to nationally establish the celebration.

The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. Although large public gatherings are usually held in urban areas, New York’s LGBT Pride Month celebrations are held statewide.