rowle:

In June of 1969, the LGBT+ rights movement was forever changed due to the Stonewall Riots. Started because of an unannounced police raid, they are often considered the most important events in the movement for gay liberation and wider LGBT+ rights. Because of Stonewall, LGBT+ activists brought pride in their identities to the forefront of their movement, reclaiming slurs and images that had historically been used against them. Our modern concept of “pride” comes from this unabashed owning of LGBT+ identity, as does Pride Month and the events that take place throughout.

These days, Pride is celebrated with parades, festivals, and other community gatherings in which LGBT+ people come together to celebrate their identities. Even though around the world many LGBT+ people are constantly discriminated against, Pride is an acceptance and celebration of the uniqueness and beauty of the LGBT+ community. For many LGBT+ people, Pride is a way to say, we exist, and that we deserve to exist. In a world where discrimination against LGBT+ people is still prevalent despite years of activism, the concept of existing as you are is radical to many LGBT+ people.

Despite the many struggles the LGBT+ community has faced, it has survived. And that deserves celebration. We are here. We will be here. We deserve to be here.