Let's Overrule Hatred and Take a Step Forward

The June pride month is more than just a tribute to all those who have historically fought for the equality of the LGBT+ community. It is also dedicated to everyone who today continues the fight and strives for a more tolerant society.

Unfortunately, globally homophobia, transphobia, inequality, and discriminatory treatment of the LGBT community are still present. In some places, homosexuality is still considered a criminal offense. Pride Month is intended to raise awareness about the presence of this minority and the importance of its acceptance.

Pride Month

Pride Month is about accepting the LGBTQ+ community, its history, achievements, and fight for equality. It lasts the entire month, typically in June, and includes parades, cultural, educational, and entertainment events that promote diversity and acceptance.

In the year 2025, it will take place from June 1 to June 30. Participants can support the community by joining parades, educating themselves, donating, volunteering, and advocating for LGBTIQ rights in society and on social media.

The history of this celebration dates back to the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969, which sparked the LGBT rights movement. Parades offer a chance to raise awareness about diversity, fight discrimination, and create a more inclusive and tolerant environment.

History

Historical sources show that in the earliest civilizations, same-sex relationships were considered a natural part of human life. The first evidence of homosexual relationships is found in places like Mesopotamia, where art depicted same-sex and heterosexual relationships equally, while bisexuality and transgender identity were linked to religion. 

In Rome, Egypt, China, India, Japan, and other civilizations, such relationships were generally socially acceptable, and in some cases even honorable, if aligned with social status. In Greece, as known from Plato’s works, same-sex unions were often considered completely equal to heterosexual ones. In the region of India, a third gender was recognized, respected, and even worshiped.

With the rise of Christianity and other monotheistic religions, a negative interpretation of such relationships began, lasting for centuries and resulting in the stigmatization of the LGBTQ+ community. Nevertheless, historical records clearly show that such relationships were throughout history regarded as a natural and respected part of human experience.

The Importance of Pride Month

Parade

The first Pride Parade in the world was sparked by an incident on June 28, 1969, in New York City. At 1:20 AM, the local police raided a bar known for being a gathering place for gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals. The procedure involved lining up all guests in front of the bar and checking each person's ID. Men dressed in typically female clothing were arrested.

This wasn’t the first raid of its kind. The Stonewall Inn patrons decided to resist the police actions. They began gathering outside the bar, leading to one of the first uprisings of LGBT individuals against police aggression.

LGBT+ Rights Today

Since then, Pride Parades have been held in almost every major Western city. They are becoming increasingly common even in countries where the status of same-sex individuals is horrific; they are denied human rights, and in some places still face criminal prosecution, with six countries even imposing the death penalty.

In Europe, conversion practices—so-called "treatments" that aim to alter or suppress an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression through psychological, physical, or spiritual interventions—are still allowed.

Sadly, even in the Western world, there are many places where LGBTIQ community rights are being rolled back. Globally, only 38 countries (out of a total of 195), have laws allowing same-sex couples to marry. In recent times, the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals have come under the most pressure.

There are many articles that promote intolerance by spreading false information, as well as statements by politicians and other public figures who openly express their hostile views. Unfortunately, criminal acts targeted at the LGBT+ minority are also common and often go unpunished.

Events

The most attended Pride Parades in the world take place in São Paulo, New York, and Toronto. In recent years, the parades have attracted around 3 million people, with a record-breaking turnout at the São Paulo Gay Pride Parade in 2023, where over 3.5 million people from around the world participated. The largest European parades take place in Madrid, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Paris.

If you don’t have plans for this June, we suggest attending one of the events or the parade itself. It’s a relaxing way to call for a more accepting world for everyone.