Pride Month history is part of human rights history Gay bars provided refuge but were frequent targets of police surveillance and raids. In the 20th century, being “out,” “loud” or “proud” had life-altering consequences for people within the LGBTQ community. In the U.S., further consequences included things like: LGBTQ adults could either pretend to live heterosexually within the law or live as their authentic selves illegally. Pride Month is a time to remember the human rights concerns that prompted the very first LGBTQ demonstration and march. Law enforcement was cracking down on gay bars in Greenwich Village, and in the early hours of June 28, 1969, eight officers entered the Stonewall Inn. They checked ID cards, arrested employees and searched patrons who didn’t conform to a statute requiring at least three pieces of “gender appropriate” attire. Those released from the Stonewall didn’t head right home. People began to congregate outside, shouting at police who were waiting for patrol vans to transport the 13 people they arrested. When one officer handcuffed and struck a lesbian, she shouted to the crowd-and they responded by throwing coins, bottles and stones. Over the next few nights, thousands of supporters gathered in front of the Stonewall and spread down Christopher Street.
