maroon arrow poiting left

back to all blog posts

Celebrating Pride Month this June

Friday, May 27, 2022

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for LGBTQ+ Americans.  

In June of 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBTQ+ Americans were commonly subjected. This uprising marks the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ+ people in the United States.  

Not So Equal Rights 

While there have been many victories in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, the struggle continues. This year alone, there have been more than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures across the country, with over 130 specifically targeting transgender people, eclipsing 2021’s record, the worst in recorded history. In 2021, 25 bills were enacted, 13 of which of which targeted transgender youth. According to the Human Rights Campaign, “These bills highlight the discrimination, marginalization, and pain that LGBTQ+ people – especially young people, trans youth, and their families – continue to face.” 

LGBTQ+ young adults are also more than twice as likely to experience homelessness than their non LGBTQ+ peers, with youth who are Black or multiracial and LGBTQ+ reporting the highest rates of homelessness.  

As a result of social stigma and discrimination, LGBTQ+ people are also at increased risk of myriad issues, including substance use disorders, homelessness, food insecurity, economic hardship and workplace discrimination, among others. 

It’s vital to continue fighting for equality and justice, but also to celebrate and acknowledge the strength and resilience of LGBTQ+ communities. Throughout June there are many local Pride events—a few are listed below. 

Pride Events in the Portland Area 

PRIDE at the Museum
An all-ages night of Pride-inspired science demos, lectures, drag performances and music on June 10 at OMSI. 

History of Black Drag in Portland: An Evening of Conversation & Performance
Celebrate the history of black drag in Portland on June 16. 

Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade
Central City Concern is a sponsor of this annual festival on June 18-19. 

Let’s Get Proud
Portland Gay Men’s Choir is celebrating the Pride season with pop tunes about self-love, reflection and celebration on June 18.  

See more Portland Pride events here. 

See other pride festivals throughout Oregon and Washington here. 

Housing icon Housing Find Housing dark arrow pointing right Healtcare icon Health Care Get Health Care dark arrow pointing right Recovery icon Recovery Start Recovery dark arrow pointing right Job icon Jobs Find a Job dark arrow pointing right