pride month - what is it?

Pride month is here! You have probably seen companies premiering rainbow logos, decor, and products. It’s also likely you will see the words LGBTQ+ somewhere. Many people still ask what is Pride month, why is it celebrated in June, and why does it matter?

What is Pride Month?

Pride month is the month-long celebration to recognize and celebrate the impact LGBTQ+ individuals have had around the world. It is also a time to remember those lost to injustices and the continued work left to be done surrounding LGBTQ+ rights. Many individuals use this month to come out to friends or family. Families also take this time to celebrate their loved ones. Others feel it is the time to celebrate who they are since so many before them were not able to celebrate openly and authentically.

Why June?

Pride month first started in June as a way to commemorate the Stonewall Riots also known as the Stonewall Uprising. On June 28th, 1969, the New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City. The raid sparked a riot among bar patrons and neighborhood residents. What followed were six days of protests. These riots served as the primary catalyst for the gay rights movement both in the U.S. and around the globe. It’s important to remember that in the 1960’s homosexuality or “same-sex relations” were still illegal in many states throughout the U.S. For more information on Stonewall and the gay rights movement you can go to this History article here.

Why Does it Matter?

Many LGBTQ+ individuals still live in places and frequent spaces where they may not be safe. In 2021 the Human Rights Campaign tracked a record number of violent fatal incidents against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, with these incidences continuing into 2022. In 2022 alone, at least 238 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in the U.S., and roughly half of these specifically target trans people. Last year nearly 250 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in U.S. state legislatures.  

A report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) found in the workplace, 40% of LGBTQ employees have reported they are not out. 36% of employees noted that they have lied or “covered” parts of their identities at work in the past year. 54% of employees who are out at work remain closeted to their clients/customers and 75% reported experiencing at least one negative interaction related to their LGBTQ+ identity at work in the past year. A study completed by Included Health found within healthcare, 45% of LGBTQ+ individuals report difficulty finding a PCP and 60% have difficulty finding a mental health provider who is competent or willing to care for LGBTQ+ individuals.

What all these numbers say is, despite progress made, many LGBTQ+ people are still struggling to live or exist authentically. The result of this is shown in a recent Trevor Project survey, where for the third straight year, the number of LGBTQ+ people who seriously considered suicide increased, this time to 45%. Enter Pride month. A month where cities, businesses, and organizations hold events for the LGBTQ+ community. Many individuals save up vacation time to travel to a city with the biggest event, where they can be themselves and connect with others of the community. It’s a time where LGBTQ+ people can feel seen, heard, and celebrate safely with others.  Pride is a celebration of authenticity and for many, the one time of year they can feel truly….free.

Author: Jack Bartel, Psy.D. (He/Him)

Licensed Clinical Psychologist 

LGBTQ+ Health Educator and Consultant 

Author Website: Jack Bartel, Psy.D.’s website

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