“But when we look at the importance of pride and celebrating those challenges, I am somewhat discouraged that Pride Month has become so mainstream. “Of course we should commemorate civil rights challenges and victories throughout history because they are in Pride Month’s roots,” May said. That first parade has transformed into a worldwide celebration of LGBTQ pride and history every June.Īssociate Editor Kris May from the Texas A&M University Department of English said it is important to understand that the fight for LGBTQ rights is far from over. One year later, thousands of people marched in the streets, demanding equal rights for the LGBTQ community. On June 28, 1969, a New York City police raid of the Stonewall Inn sparked a series of riots in the LGBTQ community and ignited the gay liberation movement.
