June is Pride Month, a month where LGBTQ+ members and allies celebrate their identities. Not only is there a history to Pride Month, but each year, pride-themed events spread around the United States.

Finn Hoogensen, a reporter for New York’s PIX11 Local News, outlines the history of Pride Month on the News Channel’s website. “Pride Month is celebrated each year in June to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, which served as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ rights movement,” he writes.

Pride month was not official until the year 2000, where, according to National Archives, “President Bill Clinton issued a Presidential Proclamation designating the month of June as ‘Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.’”

Autumn Treml, a senior at Arrowhead, describes the personal significance of Pride Month. “To me, pride means being happy and comfortable with who you are, as well as being happy and comfortable with who the people around you are. I am super excited to celebrate.”

There are ways to celebrate Pride Month. On June 26, 2022, the national Pride March in New York will be held. Information on events in New York surrounding the Pride March can be found here. There are also celebrations closer to home.

According to an email sent by Nick Pflieger, the south campus psychologist and Gay-Straight Alliance club advisor, “In honor of LGBTQ Pride Month this June, Avalon Graphics, a local printing company, is selling Pride yard signs.” Also according to the email, 50% of the profit from the signs will be donated to the GSA club.

On the club’s Instagram page, a post was made about upcoming pride events. Many of them take place in very early June, but Pride Prom takes place on June 11th. The theme of the dance will be astrology, and is located at the Racine Civic Center lawn from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM. More information about the event can be found here. 

Treml plans to attend the event. “I am going to Pride Prom. I was invited by one of my friends to go,” she says. “I am very excited for pride prom; I’ll be able to meet new people who are a part of the LGBTQA+ community while having fun with my friends in a safe environment.”

Even if one does not identify with the LGBTQ community, support can be shown in various ways. Allies are welcomed to all pride events, and many show their support on social media platforms. More information on how to support LGBTQ friends, family, and co-workers can be found here.