Provided by Prince William County
On June 28, 1969, a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, in New York’s Greenwich Village, led to the arrest of members of the gay and lesbian community. The raid prompted the Stonewall Riots, during which individuals from the community protested persecution and called for opening places where they could gather without fear and be open about their sexuality.
The Stonewall Riots are widely seen as the beginning of the Gay Liberation Movement and set the stage for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month, held in June, to remember the Stonewall raid and the uprising that followed.
The month-long celebration, which includes parades, picnics, parties, community events, educational sessions, workshops and other events, offers the opportunity for peaceful protests to raise awareness of issues still facing the LGBTQ community and to celebrate the influence members of the community have had around the world.
The month also serves to raise public awareness of the challenges the LGBTQ community continues to face and promotes equal rights, dignity and self-affirmation.
