1970-06-28

On the one-year anniversary of the STONEWALL RIOTS more than 2,000 people march in New York City as part of the first Gay Pride march in the United States. On several occasions, the President of the United States has officially declared a Pride Month. First, President Bill Clinton declared June “Gay & Lesbian Pride Month” on June 2, 2000. Then, in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 President Barack Obama declared June Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. Must have slipped Boss Tweet’s mind, but President Biden has renewed the tribute and even lit inside corridors of the White House in rainbow colors.

In 2016 Pride was marked by the naming of the Stonewall Inn as a National Monument to be administered by the National Park Service.

Alternative marches, seeking a less corporate-infused, commercial event, and to recognize that the origin of the action was not a “parade” but a march, have been quite successful and well-attended. Other parallel marches include the Dyke March and Drag Fest, as well as hundreds of other observations internationally.

Now more than ever…we must march. Make the streets run with rainbows.