History of Pride Month in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 26, 2025

Pride Month is a month-long celebration held each June to honor the LGBTQ community and culture. It commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ rights. The month serves to recognize the contributions of LGBTQ individuals, promote inclusivity, and raise awareness of ongoing challenges faced by the community. Pride Month events often include parades, festivals, workshops, and educational initiatives, fostering a sense of unity and advocating for equal rights and acceptance.

1969: Stonewall Riots

In 1969, the Stonewall Riots, a series of gay liberation protests, occurred, marking a significant event that Pride Month commemorates.

June 1970: First Pride Marches

In June 1970, the first pride marches were held in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, one year after the Stonewall riots, marking a watershed moment for LGBT rights.

1981: San Francisco Pride March Renamed

In 1981, the San Francisco Pride march was promoted as the International Lesbian & Gay Freedom Day Parade.

1991: International Pride Day Commemorations

In 1991, the Serbian group Arkadija commemorated International Pride Day with a forum concerning queer activism and art, and Nicaragua held its first public pride festival to commemorate the Stonewall Riots.

1994: San Francisco Pride March Still Renamed

In 1994, the San Francisco Pride march was still promoted as the International Lesbian & Gay Freedom Day Parade.

1999: Clinton Declares Gay and Lesbian Pride Month

In 1999, President Bill Clinton officially declared June as "Gay and Lesbian Pride Month" in a presidential proclamation.

2011: Obama Expands Pride Month Recognition

In 2011, Barack Obama expanded the official Pride Month recognition to include the whole of the LGBT community.

2013: Serbia Marks International Pride Day

In 2013, Serbia marked International Pride Day with Hate-Free Zone actions, organized by GSA, Women in Black and other NGOs.

2015: Serbia Marks International Pride Day

In 2015, Serbia marked International Pride Day with Hate-Free Zone actions, organized by GSA, Women in Black and other NGOs.

2017: Trump Declines Federal Recognition of Pride Month

In 2017, Donald Trump declined to offer federal recognition of Pride Month.

2019: Trump Issues Supportive Statements on Twitter

In 2019, Donald Trump issued supportive public statements about Pride Month in a series of Tweets.

2021: Biden Recognizes Pride Month and Vows to Push for LGBT Rights

In 2021, Joe Biden recognized Pride Month after taking office and vowed to push for LGBT rights in the United States.

February 2025: Google Announces End to Default Pride Month Highlighting

In February 2025, Google announced that Pride Month would no longer be highlighted by default on Google Calendar, citing scalability and sustainability concerns.