Around the world, June is recognized as LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual) Pride Month to commemorate a tipping point in queer human rights history — the Stonewall Riots uprising. Notably led by trans*women of colour activists Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, Stonewall began on 28 June 1969, lasting for 6 days sparked by the years of targeted police harassment at the Stonewall Inn located in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, New York.

Pride month is celebrated every June to acknowledge and recognise the accomplishments of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement and our brave LGBTQIA+ advocates. It’s about the people in the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies who have fought and continue to fight for equality and recognized dignity.

It must not be forgotten that the first Pride was not a celebration. It was a riot led by queer people of colour. Pride was born out of a struggle. And now, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought struggle back to LGBTQIA+ communities, as they are forced to lock down with families who may not be accepting or safe. We see you; we celebrate you.

Pride Month presents a chance to express support for friends, family, co-workers or other LGBTQIA+ people.

P-eople – Pride is about the people in the LGBTQIA+ and allied community. Remember that our shared humanity is what is both celebrated and at stake in the global fight for full LGBTQIA+ equality

R-esilience Pride stands as a powerful claim of self-worth and community celebration in contrast to historic ostracization of LGBTQIA+ people.

I-nformation – Pride serves as an important milestone for employers to share information with their own workforce, customers and clients about the meaningful ways they engage with the LGBTQIA+ community and are advocates for equality.

D-iversity Pride is the culmination of struggle to fully recognize the diversity of the community.

E-xpression – The visuals that often come to mind from Pride month are colourful, campy and fun. From tiaras to boas to floats and DJs, Pride is a celebration of individual and community.

What does the Progress Pride Flag represent?

In 2018, Daniel Quasar updated the Pride Rainbow Flag, which is a symbol for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities, to better represent marginalised LGBTQIA+ communities. The Progress Pride Flag includes black and brown stripes to represent LGBTQIA+ communities of colour, and the pink, light blue and white represent the Transgender Pride Flag.

Look out for more LGBTQIA+ stories this month on our social media around being an ally and support available.