What Is Pride Month? A Celebration of Queer Joy, Resistance, and Community
So… What Is Pride Month?
At its core, Pride Month is a time to honor the history, culture, and rights of LGBTQ+ people. But that simple explanation barely scratches the surface.
The definition of Pride? It’s about owning your identity without apology. It’s about living loud, fighting injustice, and creating safe spaces where queer people can be seen, celebrated, and supported.
Pride Month isn’t just a party. It’s a powerful reminder of what it took to get here — and how far we still have to go.
A Quick History of Pride Month
The origins of Pride Month trace back to a single spark: the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969.
That summer, LGBTQ+ patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City fought back against police raids — a routine form of harassment. Led by queer activists, trans women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, that moment ignited a movement.
To explore more about this pivotal moment, visit the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, which preserves the memory and meaning of this historic event.
The first Pride parade was held one year later in 1970, marking the anniversary of the uprising. Since then, June has become a global celebration of queer visibility, resistance, and liberation.
For a deeper dive into how Pride Month has evolved over the decades, the Library of Congress Pride Month portal is a valuable and insightful resource.
Pride Today: What It Looks Like (and Why It Still Matters)
Over 50 years later, Pride Month is marked by:
- Colorful Pride parades in cities worldwide
- Powerful speeches, workshops, and rallies
- Art, music, fashion, and storytelling from LGBTQ+ voices
- Rainbow-covered everything — from flags to tees to coffee mugs
But behind the confetti and fanfare, the meaning of Pride remains rooted in resistance and resilience.
Because while progress has been made, LGBTQ+ rights are still under threat in many places. Hate crimes, censorship, and discriminatory laws haven’t vanished — which makes Pride Month not just relevant, but essential.
To explore the preservation of queer stories, culture, and activism, check out the GLBT Historical Society and the ONE Institute — two of the largest and most respected LGBTQ+ archival organizations in the U.S.]
What Does the Pride Flag Mean?
The most recognizable symbol of Pride Month is the Pride flag — often referred to as the rainbow flag. Designed in 1978 by artist Gilbert Baker, the original version had eight stripes, each with symbolic meaning (like red for life, green for nature, violet for spirit).
Today, many versions exist — including flags representing specific identities like:
- Transgender
- Nonbinary
- Pansexual
- Lesbian
- Genderqueer
- Intersex
- And more
Each Pride flag is a declaration of identity. A message to the world: “I’m here. I matter.”
Need help decoding the variations? The Human Rights Campaign Pride Flags Guide breaks down the colors, symbols, and meaning of each.
You can also find several of these proudly represented in WhimSpin’s Pride Collection, including our popular Heart Pride Flag Tees, with 16 different flag options to choose from and Ally Flag Mug — designed to be seen, shared, and worn with purpose.
Why Pride Still Needs You
Whether you’re part of the queer community or a passionate ally, your voice matters during Pride Month — and all year.
Here’s how to show up:
- Attend your local Pride parade or support one online
- Amplify queer creators, artists, and activists
- Educate yourself on LGBTQ+ history and terminology
- Buy from queer-owned brands and donate to LGBTQ+ organizations
- Wear your values — literally. Like our “Queer All Year” tee
The LGBTQ+ History Month Project is also a great place to explore the lives and legacies of LGBTQ+ pioneers.
Because the meaning of Pride isn’t just personal. It’s political. And the more visible we are — the safer the world becomes for everyone.
Final Thought: The Definition of Pride Is Evolving
Pride Month may have started as a response to violence and injustice, but it’s grown into a global celebration of love, identity, and chosen family.
At WhimSpin, we believe in showing pride through art, fashion, and action. Our designs reflect the boldness of the movement — with room for every flag, every story, and every voice.
So if you’re asking “What is Pride Month?”, we’d answer:
It’s protest. It’s joy. It’s power. It’s love.
And it’s far from over.
🌈 Keep Exploring
👉 Shop: WhimSpin Pride Collection
👉 Watch: This reel about 5 Surprising Facts About Pride Month