June became Pride Month due to its historical origins, though many communities now call it the start of Pride Season to better reflect the range of events and celebrations that take place between June and September.
Those origins are rooted in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a defining moment in the modern 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement. The uprising began on June 28, 1969, following a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gathering place for members of the LGBTQ+ community. While such raids were not uncommon at the time, they reflected broader systemic discrimination and led to several days of protest and resistance. This became the catalyst for increased visibility and organizing within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, leading to the first marches a year later.
To mark the first anniversary of Stonewall, marches were held in several U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, establishing June as a time of remembrance and advocacy.
In Canada, an important early moment took place on August 28, 1971, when approximately 100 people gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for the country’s first national gay liberation protest and march. A smaller demonstration also took place the same day in Vancouver at Robson Square. Participants called for equal rights and presented a petition to the federal government outlining demands for legal and social equality.
Other demonstrations and police raids that occurred during the 1970s and 1980s, such as the Brunswick Four and Operation Soap, are recognized as foundational to Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement, leading to the modern day Pride celebrations you see today.
Pride in June continues to honour this history, celebrate progress, and recognize the ongoing work toward equity, inclusion, and safety for all 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.