Happy Pride!

Happy Pride! June is all about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. This month-long observance holds significant historical and cultural value, honoring the LGBTQ+ community's fight for equal rights and celebrating the diversity and inclusion that strengthen our society. In the United States, Pride Month is a reminder of the progress made, the challenges that still exist, and the ongoing commitment to fostering acceptance and love for all.

The LGBTQ Rights movement started during the Stonewall Riots of June 1969 in New York City, where LGBTQ+ individuals courageously stood up against police brutality and discrimination. Police raids targeting gay bars were a commonplace occurrence. In the early hours of the morning of June 28, 1968, police raided the bar and arrested 13 people, including employees and people violating the state’s gender-appropriate clothing statute. The violent and abrupt outburst of the police, who physically hauled patrons and employees out of The Stonewall Inn, led to six more days of protests. The Stonewall Riots acted as a catalyst for activism that rippled through the decades and impacted the gay rights and gay liberation movements in the United States. In 1999, President Bill Clinton dedicated the month of June to gay and lesbian pride for the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. In 2011, Barack Obama declared Pride Month as an officially recognized month that includes the entirety of the LGBTQ+ community.

The month of June is filled with parades, parties, concerts, drag shows, protests, and so much more to celebrate the solidarity and perseverance of the LGBTQ+ community. They also serve as a reminder to society that diversity should be celebrated and embraced, fostering a sense of belonging and creating spaces where people can come together, build networks, and find support.

Pride Month encourages everyone to educate themselves, challenge prejudices, and actively support equal rights. While Pride Month primarily highlights the LGBTQ+ community, it also emphasizes the significance of allyship. Allies, individuals who actively support and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and accepting society. Let us use this time to reflect, learn, and stand as allies, ensuring love and acceptance prevail in our communities throughout the year. Happy Pride Month!

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Events:

Pride Night Pre-Game at McGregor Square – June 23; 4:00 PM-6:00 PM

One Colorado Pink Party - June 23, 6:00 PM-10:00 PM

PRIDE 5K Presented by Smartwool - June 42; 8:00 AM-10 AM

Denver Dyke March - June 24; 12:00 PM-3:30 PM

Denver PrideFest - June 24; 11:00 AM-7:00 PM; June 25; 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Denver Pride Official Sober Party - June 24; 7:30 PM-10:00 PM

Coors Light Denver Pride Parade - June 25; 9:30 AM-12:30 PM

Volunteer:

One Colorado at Denver Pride Fest - Help set up and break down One Colorado’s table and ensure they reach as many people as possible! Saturday, June 24 – Sunday, June 25.

March in the Denver Pride Parade - Join One Colorado staff and board members in the Denver Pride Parade! We will meet in Cheesman Park at 8 AM on Sunday, June 25th.

PrideFest Resources:

Transgender Program PrideFest Booth - June 24; 11:00 AM-7:00 PM; June 25; 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Youth Alley PrideFest Schedule - June 24; 11:00 AM-7:00 PM; June 25; 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Saga PrideFest Schedule - June 24; 11:00 AM-7:00 PM; June 25; 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Official Women’s and Post PrideFest Party - June 25; 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Women’s Empowerment Group – June 26; 5:30 PM-7:00 PM

Books:

• We Are Everywhere by Matthew Riemer and Leighton Brown

• Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin

• Fairest by Meredith Talusan

• Countries of Origin by Javier Fuentes

• All My Mother’s Lovers by Ilana Masad

• Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution by David Carter

• Me by Elton John

• Dancer from the Dance by Andrew Holleran

• Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg

Film & Television:

• Hearts Beat Loud (available on Hulu)

• She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (available on Netflix)

• A Secret Love (available on Netflix)

• (A)sexual (Watch on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV)

• Pride (available on Hulu)

• Love, Victor (available on Hulu)

• PBS Pride Month Video Collection

• Queer Eye (available on Netflix)

• Ultimatum: Queer Love (available on Netflix)