Celebrating LGBTQ+ Month: 3 Fun and Fascinating Facts

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month—a vibrant celebration of love, identity, and the continued fight for equality. Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. What began as a protest for justice and visibility has since blossomed into a global celebration of diversity. Parades, festivals, art shows, and community events take place around the world, honoring the achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals and advocating for equal rights.

Did you know that the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, was created in 1978 by artist and activist Gilbert Baker? Each color of the original eight-striped flag had a specific meaning: pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic/art, blue for serenity, and violet for spirit. Due to production limitations, the modern six-color version became more popular, but newer iterations, like the Progress Pride Flag, have added stripes to represent people of color and the transgender community.

Another fun fact: some of the world's most iconic figures were part of the LGBTQ+ community. From artist Frida Kahlo to computing pioneer Alan Turing, LGBTQ+ individuals have shaped art, science, politics, and culture in profound ways. Today, Pride Month isn’t just about looking back—it’s also about pushing forward, supporting youth, and celebrating love in all its forms. Whether you're marching in a parade or simply educating yourself and others, there's a place for everyone in the spirit of Pride.