For Many Communities, Pride Month Events Are A First

Each June, thousands of communities across the globe celebrate Pride Month. It's meant to recognize the cultures, identities, and histories of LGBTQ+ people. For some communities in the US, 2024 is especially groundbreaking. They have welcomed Pride events for the first time. 

Pride Month traces its roots to the Stonewall Riots of 1969. It was an uprising in response to a police raid of the Stonewall Inn that targeted gay and lesbian residents in New York City. In the years after, community leaders organized marches to stand up for lesbian and gay rights. The popularity of the marches spread. In 1999, President Bill Clinton declared the June anniversary of the Stonewall Riots as “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.” President Obama expanded Pride Month to include the entire spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities in 2011.    

Now, Pride Month events can be found in many major cities across the US. But some towns will be hosting their first ever Pride events in 2024. 

Megan Proffer and her wife co-founded the nonprofit Northeast Louisiana (NELA) Pride in 2023. This year, they led the town of Monroe’s first Pride event. It was the first Pride event in their broader region in 10 years. 

Proffer told LGBTQNation they were able to organize the event in just five weeks. The event hosted over 60 booths and 1000 attendees.  

“Starting NELA Pride reminds me that one person can make a difference,” Proffer added. “One person can start a movement. It just takes one.”   

Reflect: How can local communities foster inclusivity and support for diverse identities?

Gif of rainbow flag from GIPHY.