Pride Month has roots going back to the LGBTQ+ liberation movement in the 1970s. It’s specifically associated with a well-known confrontation between police and patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York’s Greenwich Village. Ordinary people successfully fought back against homophobic discrimination, and that revolutionary spirit only grew more widespread.
What became known as the Stonewall Riots of June, 1969 had an immediate legacy. The following year, activists commemorated the event by organizing a march to Central Park. Their chosen theme of “Gay Pride” was meant to rebuke the too-commonly-accepted attitude of shame around homosexuality. Inspired by this first-ever Pride parade, activists in other cities began to follow suit. The tradition expanded year after year, until Pride Month became the worldwide celebration it is today.
No matter where you are or where you come from, you can participate in Pride Month, too. Meetup can help you learn more about the history of Pride, discover art and literature from LGBTQ+ culture, find a group to attend your local Pride parade with, and support the LGBTQ+ community year-round!
How you can participate in Pride Month this year
Even before your local Pride events kick off, you can get in the spirit of the holiday with your own cultural curiosity. Consider reading staples of gay literature like Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, lesbian cult classics like The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, a powerful collection of personal essays like The Queer Bible, and other essential LBTQ+ books.
You can also celebrate LGBTQ+ representation on screen by watching a breathtaking lesbian romance like Carol, a stirring drama about the life of a trans woman like A Fantastic Woman, an Oscar-winning biopic of a gay rights icon like Milk, and other incredible LGBTQ+ films.
But the best way to celebrate Pride Month with your community is to actually get out into the community! Here are just a few Pride events Meetup is taking part in all across the map.
New York Pride
On Saturday, June 11, you can join the festivities at Brooklyn Pride with the LGBTQ+ Women Social Group (Ages ≈21-40ish). This Meetup group of nearly 300 members will meet at Something Else on Fifth, a boutique for fabulous fits and accessories, before enjoying the Pride Festival and Pride Parade.
On Sunday, June 19, you can ride your pride on the Hudson River Greenway with OutCycling, a Meetup group of nearly 700 members. On that same day, you can join a Queer Women’s Picnic in Washington Square Park with New York Lesbian Happy Hour. This Meetup group of nearly 2,000 members will bring people from across the spectrum of the lesbian community with food, drinks, games, and chill vibes.
Atlanta Pride
On Saturday, June 25, you can stroll with the affirming and open-hearted folks of Neighborhood Walks. This Meetup group of nearly 100 members is hosting a special Pride Month event in which they’ll walk through the gorgeous campus of Agnes Scott College toward Charis Bookstore, a the South’s oldest independent feminist bookstore! They specifically curate books on cultural studies, feminism, anti-racism and ending white supremacy, as well as LGBTQ+ fiction and nonfiction.
Chicago Pride
On Saturday, June 18, you can volunteer ar the Chicago Pride Fest to help promote the Bisexual Queer Alliance Chicago – Meetup. This community of more than 3,700 members is part of a non-profit organization providing everything from free sexual health seminars to sober hangout opportunities for bisexual people.
On Sunday, June 26, you can march in the city’s official Pride Parade with Chicago LGBTQ Country Dancing. This Meetup group of nearly 200 members will march in the form of fun and flamboyant country dancing! You can start practicing with the group ASAP and get ready to perform on the big day.
Austin Pride
On Sunday, June 12, you can join Austin LGBTQIA2+ Fun Force! (ages 18-118) at an artist-owned theater called The VORTEX for “Campfire Queer Story Time.” This Meetup group of more than 1,350 members will enjoy a showcase of performances centered around gender non-confirming people. Plus, there’ll be a social mixer, musical guests, and a charity drive to help Texans in need of heat relief.
How to get involved with the LGBTQ+ community year-round
Pride Month is an extra special celebration, but it’s not the only time of year you can proudly take part in your local LGBTQ+ community! With Meetup, it’s easy to connect with LGBTQ+ groups of all stripes, such as:
- Asexuals and Aromantics of the Mid-Atlantic: Washington DC
- Gay Gamers of Atlanta & Friends
- Denver Beer Queers
- Houston Queer Parent Circle
- South Shore LGBT Seniors
LGBTQ+ rights have been hard won through activism, advocacy, and support. There is still a long road ahead for equal protection under the law, as well as the end of social discrimination. This Pride Month and beyond, please consider donating to organizations like the National Center for Transgender Equality, TAAAP (The Ace and Aro Advocacy Project), and interACT (an advocacy group for intersex youth).
Last modified on June 14, 2022
