Celebrate PRIDE

This month marks the 51st celebration of Pride Month, a time when millions of people come together in support of the LGBTQIA community by walking in parades, attending festivals, and learning more about being an advocate and supporting friends and neighbors. For those who are unfamiliar with the acronym, it is explained below:

L - Lesibian, G - Gay, B - Bi-sexual, T - Transgender, Q - Queer/Questioning, I- Intersex, A - Asexual/Ally.  This year, many celebrations across the globe will resume as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and more people are vaccinated.  If you woud like to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ populations, please click here. 

So why does Pride Month take place in June? It goes back to June 28, 1969, when police raided a gay club in New York. The raid was about nothing more than violently harassing and arresting LGBTQ people in one of the few places where they felt safe. Similar raids on gay-friendly businesses had been occurring for decades, but Stonewall was one of the first times when the patrons fought back.  Pride Month occurs in the United States to commemorate the event, and as a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBT people have had in the world. 

Capital City Pride in Des Moines is hosting a number of events in June.  Visit their website for more information.  Ames Pride celebrates in the fall when Iowa State students return for class.  Information on Ames Pride can be found here.