Everything to know about Pride Month 2024

Sarah Lemire
·4 min read
5

Pride Month is an annual observation that spotlights LGBTQ voices and members of the community during a month-long recognition that honors the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City.

Occuring in June, LGBTQ members, supporters and allies gather for marches, parades, remembrances and other events, not only in the U.S., but around the world in honor of the designation.

It's a time to reflect on the history of the movement, gather together in celebration, spotlight work that remains yet unfinished, as well as remember and honor those members of the community who've been lost to violence or the AIDS crisis.

They are plenty of ways to participate and show your support during Pride Month including lending your voice, volunteering your time, joining in events or simply increasing your awareness through reading LGBTQ books, films or engaging online via Instagram or other social media outlets.

However you choose to observe Pride this year, you may be wondering when the recognition begins, ends, why Pride Month is commemorated in June, important dates on the Pride calendar, as well as learning where and when some of the most notable marches and events are occurring across the U.S.

To help, we've answered those questions below to ensure that in 2024, you don't miss a moment.

When is Pride Month?

June is Pride Month. Although it runs through June 30, Pride Month typically wraps up with a series of events scheduled on or around June 28, the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.

Why is Pride Month celebrated in June?

Before Pride Month, there was Gay Pride Day, which was first celebrated on June 28, 1970. Over time, the day turned into an entire month of celebrations and remembrances — and thus Pride Month was born.

The particular date in June marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, also known as the Stonewall Riots.

During the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in New York City. In the days that followed, crowds gathered at the Stonewall Inn in protest, leading to violence and riots.

The rebellion lasted for six days and the result was an increased awareness around LGBTQ issues, as well as the creation of a variety of advocacy groups to address inequalities and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals.

After being unofficially recognized for years, Pride Month was acknowledged on a federal level by President Bill Clinton, who declared June “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month” in 1999.

Since then, Pride month has expanded to be inclusive of all voices including those who identify as bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, non-straight and non-cisgender.

What are some important calendar dates during Pride Month?

There are a number of important Pride Month dates to circle on your calendar throughout June. See below for some notable Awareness Days.

  • June 5: HIV Long-Term Survivors Day, honors and increases visibility around HIV survivor issues and needs

  • June 12: Pulse Remembrance Day, a remembrance of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting victims

  • June 19: Juneteenth, a commemoration of African American culture and the emancipation of African American slaves

  • June 27: National HIV Testing Day, encourages individuals to be tested for HIV

  • June 28: Stonewall Riots Anniversary, commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising

  • June 30: Queer Youth of Faith Day, to celebrate and empower LGBTQ youth of different faiths

When and where are 2024's Pride Month events?

Along with the U.S., other countries around the world observe and celebrate Pride Month in June including Canada, Australia, Brazil, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Of all the Pride celebrations and events, one of the largest is in New York City, the place where the LGBTQ movement began in 1969.

This year, after a month-long celebration with various events, New York will host its annual NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Find a list of dates for other notable Pride Month marches and events across the country right here:

This article was originally published on TODAY.com