LGBTQ+ Pride month is celebrated annually during the month of June which was selected to commemorate the riots that took place at the Stonewall Inn in June of 1969 in New York. LGBTQ+ Pride month provides a time to recognize and celebrate the progress that so many across the country have worked toward in support of LGBTQ+ rights. Recognized and celebrated in many ways across the nation including educational opportunities, pride parades, and many other events. Denver Pride will be celebrated June 26-27 and will offer a virtual and in-person 5K as well as a virtual Pride Parade. The rainbow flag, designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, will be prominently displayed throughout the month of June. Each of the six colors included in the rainbow flag have a particular meaning and include life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony, and spirit.
While the work has been difficult, there have been great strides made in many aspects of LGBTQ+ rights, and there is still much work to be done in advocating for transgender rights, housing and employment. LGBTQ+ Pride month is also a time to remember members of the LGBTQ+ community who were victims of hate crimes and HIV/AIDS. On June 1, 2021, President Biden gave a proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month, 2021. In this proclamation, President Biden outlines the work his administration has done to advance protections for the LGBTQ+ community. He also shares his continued call on the Congress to pass the Equality Act which prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, house, credit, and the jury system.
For additional education and personal development related to diversity, equity and inclusion, please use the following resources: DDEI Education and Resources, DEI & Antiracism Resources from the UNC Libraries, and the Education Equity Toolkit from the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
