Pride Month commemorates the “ongoing pursuit of equal justice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community and celebrates the accomplishments of LGBTQIA individuals.” One of the events that sparked the gay rights movement was the Stonewall Inn riots in June 1969. Police raided this New York City establishment, which was a popular gathering place for the LGBTQIA community. They arrested employees and patrons of the bar while pedestrians watched. Riots ensued and lasted five days. The first Pride March occurred one year later, on the first anniversary of the riots. The event was named the Christopher Street Liberation Day March after the street that was the epicenter of New York City’s gay community. President Bill Clinton officially made June “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month” in 2000. President Barack Obama made the commemorative time more inclusive in 2011, changing the name to “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month”. And in 2016, the Stonewall National Monument was established by the National Park Service. At the library, we celebrate the many literary contributions of the LGBTQIA community. Check out our list…and then check out a great book and read it with PRIDE!
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