Pride is generally celebrated in June throughout the world in honour of the Stonewall riots that took place in June 1969 in New York City.
In June of 1969, a group of LGBTQ+ people in New York City rioted following a police raid of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar located on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. This series of events was a turning point for the LGBTQ+ community and marks one of the most significant events leading to the modern gay rights movement. The following year in June, organized demonstrations took place in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco to mark the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. As the years went on, additional cities in North America and Europe began to hold their own public demonstrations or pride day, eventually leading to what we know today as a gay pride parade, march, celebration or festival. Pride flags have also been an important part of the LGBTQ+ movement. They are a way to show progress, demand representation, and encourage collective action. There have been many different LGBTIQ+ flags over time. Some have changed, while others are still being made.
In many countries, June is officially recognized as pride month even though some cities may hold their pride events on alternate dates. Hamilton Pride will be taking place Aug 27 12-8 at Pier 4. The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton will have an active presence and we hope you will join us there.