Pride takes place in June and it has taken place every year since the early 1970s, and celebrates LGBTQ+ communities around the world. Here’s 15 facts about the history of the annual month-long event!

1. The flag was designed by an artist in the 1970s

The iconic rainbow flag was designed in 1978 by the artist Gilbert Baker. The flag first flew on Gay Pride Day in San Francisco in the summer of that year.

2. The different colours on the Pride flag have a meaning

Each colour on the Pride flag has a specific meaning: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony, and purple for spirit.

3. There are over 30 different LGBTQ+ flags

There are many flags, each representing different identities within the LGBTQ+ community. The number of flags has grown over the years as more identities and expressions are recognised.

4. The biggest Pride parade takes place in Brazil

Sao Paulo in Brazil hosts the world’s largest Pride Parade, but there’s huge celebrations which take place all over the world. Cities like New York, San Francisco, London, Berlin, and Sydney host some of the largest Pride parades, drawing millions of spectators and those taking part. There’s probably a Pride event taking place in a town near you too!

5. The roots of Pride can be found in New York City

In the early hours of June 28, 1969, police raided a bar in Greenwich Village, even though it was a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to socialise. The community resisted the raid and it sparked several days of rioting and is said to be the beginnings of the Pride movement.

6. The rainbow flag isn’t the only symbol of gay pride

In addition to the rainbow flag, other symbols include the pink triangle, originally used by Nazis to identify homosexuals, and the lambda, a symbol of liberation used by the Gay Activists Alliance.

7. Pride month is fun, but there’s a serious message behind it

While Pride is a fun celebration, it also serves as a protest against discrimination, violence, and inequality faced by the LGBTQ+ community on a daily basis.

8. You don’t have to be part of the LGBTQ+ community to participate

Allies – or non-LGBTQ+ people who support LGBTQ+ rights – can play an important role by showing solidarity (unity) and standing up for equality for everyone.

9. Pride month takes place in June each year

Pride Month is celebrated in June to mark the Stonewall Riots, which took place in June 1969. These riots were a series of demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of New York City.

10. Global Pride takes place on June 28

And if you want to get really specific, Global Pride takes place on June 28, and commemorates the date that the Stonewall Riots began that day.

11. The UK’s first Pride march took place in 1972

The UK’s first Pride march took place on July 1, 1972. This event marked the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in the United States and was a significant moment in the history of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK. The march began in Trafalgar Square, London and hundreds of people attended.

12. Amsterdam is the only city whose Pride celebrations float!

The highlight of Amsterdam Pride is the Canal Parade, where decorated boats sail through the city’s historic canals. This floating parade is unique to Amsterdam and draws thousands of spectators who line the canals to watch the procession sail through the Prinsengracht (which means Prince’s Canal).

13. Brenda Howard is called the ‘Mother of Pride’

Brenda Howard is often referred to as the ‘Mother of Pride’ for her pivotal role in coordinating the Christopher Street Liberation Day March on June 28, 1970. This event commemorated the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community were huge.

14. San Francisco is the home of the world’s longest running Pride parade

San Francisco’s Pride parade, which started in 1970, is one of the longest-running and largest Pride parades in the world. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of people, who don’t seem to mind the city’s very steep streets.

15. Pride month is about acceptance

Pride month is a way of raising awareness, visibility and it’s a chance to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Most importantly, it’s about being proud of who you are.