The month of pride

Globally, this month will see a powerful celebration of identity, love, and equality

- VAISHALI DAR

To commemorate June 1969 Stonewall riots in New York's Christopher Street, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, Pride month marks global celebrations across the world. As the riots sparked by a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar, galvanised the LGBTQ+ community and led to the first pride marches and protests the following year, even today, hundreds of LGBTQ rallies, events, parade marches, seminars, parties, after-parties in cities across the world are planned in June.

For instance, the 50th anniversary of pride celebrations in Washington DC this year starts at a crucial time, bringing together voices from around the world to support the LGBTQ+ community's ongoing fight for equality, visibility, and justice. Washington DC's WorldPride 2025 will feature an all-star celebrity artiste line-up including pop icon Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, RuPaul, Doechii, Cynthia Erivo, Paris Hilton and more, who will perform at the two-day music festival.

In Los Angeles, a pride parade and festival is being organised on June 8, while San Francisco Pride is happening June 28-29 with the theme being 'Queer Joy Is Resistance'.