Pride Month 2023: Here's everything you need to know about it

'Love is Love'

As the calendar turns to June, it marks the beginning of the Pride Month.

This year is the 53rd anniversary of the first Pride parade. The Pride Month honours LGBTQIA+ communities (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer), and seeks to promote queer joy, dignity, equality, self-affirmation and respect towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The month-long celebration highlights the campaign for LGBTQIA+ rights through parades, festivals, and theatre shows.

History

On 28 June 1969, when police raided a gay bar The Stonewall Inn in Manhattan, US, the queer community resisted and fought back. This sparked several days of protests and clashes in the surrounding area.

The Stonewall riots marked a turning point in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement and led to the formation of numerous LGBTQIA+ organisations. The following year, on June 28, 1970, the first Gay Pride March was organised in New York City to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

Origin of the Pride Flag and its meaning

The Pride Flag, commonly known rainbow flag, was created by Gilbert Baker, an American artist and LGBTQIA+ rights activist. Baker designed the flag in 1978 to symbolise the diversity and unity of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The seven-colour Pride flag, as it is commonly seen today, consists of the following colours:

Red: Represents life and love
Orange: Symbolises healing and energy
Yellow: Represents sunlight and happiness
Green: Symbolises nature and growth
Blue: Represents serenity and harmony
Indigo: Symbolises peace and integrity
Violet: Represents spirit and community

The pride flag serves as a powerful symbol of inclusivity, acceptance, and pride, and is widely recognised and embraced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies worldwide.

Also watch: Pride Month 2023: What is misgendering and how does it affect people?