June is LGBT Pride Month

June was chosen as LGBT pride month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of June, 1969. 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 this commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had locally, nationally, and internationally. Although large public gatherings are usually held in urban areas, New York’s LGBT Pride Month celebrations are held statewide.