Honoring Pride Month - Colorado State University

The History of Pride Month

Pride Month was established to commemorate and celebrate the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual orientations and gender identities) community. The month of June serves as a time to promote visibility, equality, and LGBTQIA+ rights.

The catalyst for Pride Month was the Stonewall Uprising, which occurred in June 1969 in New York City. The Stonewall Inn, a popular gathering place for LGBTQ+ individuals, was subjected to a police raid. The raid led to an uprising and protests by LGBTQ+ activists, demanding equal rights and an end to discrimination.

Thirty years later, in June 1999, President Bill Clinton issued Proclamation 7203, acknowledging the contributions of the LGBT community to American society. Today, Pride celebrations are common throughout the USA and the globe.

The Importance of Allyship

If you do not identify with the LBGTQIA+ community, there are still ways to support those in your life who do. Allyship is important because it involves actively listening to marginalized communities, following their lead, and taking actions that are informed by their needs and priorities. Through amplifying marginalized voices, challenging systems of oppression, creating inclusive spaces, advocating for equal rights, and building relationships, we can create lasting change. Whether you’re donating to a non-profit organization or educating yourself on queer issues, here are several ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community:

Promoting Inclusivity Through Pronouns

One way to show respect for gender identity is to think about how we use pronouns with those around us. Here are some resources that you can review to learn more about pronoun usage as we celebrate Pride month:

CSU System + Pride Month

Colorado State University’s Pride Resource Center is a trove of Pride knowledge, events, education, and community.

If you’re in the greater Denver area and plan to attend Denver PrideFest on June 24 and 25, be sure to stop by the CSU Pride table to say hi!

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