Each year during the month of June communities across the country and around the world come together to celebrate Pride Month: a time to honor the history, resilience, diversity, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride is both a celebration and a continued call for visibility, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
The origins of Pride Month trace back to June 1969 and the Stonewall Riots in New York City. Following repeated harassment and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals, patrons of the Stonewall Inn stood up against a police raid, sparking a movement that would become a catalyst for modern LGBTQIA+ rights activism. One year later, the first Pride marches were held to commemorate the uprising and advocate for equal rights and dignity for all people.
In 1999, June was officially recognized in the United States as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, later expanding to recognize the broader LGBTQIA+ community. Today, Pride Month serves as an opportunity to celebrate authenticity, honor those who paved the way, uplift current voices, and continue advocating for a future where everyone can live openly and safely as themselves.
At Penny Lane, our commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, families, and staff extends far beyond the month of June. Through a number of programs and services, we strive to create environments rooted in belonging, affirmation, advocacy, and care all year long. Pride Month gives us the opportunity to intentionally pause and acknowledge both the accomplishments and challenges that shape the rich tapestry of the LGBTQIA+ community.
This commitment is also reflected in our annual EDGY Conference, held during Pride Month. EDGY provides space for learning, connection, celebration, and meaningful dialogue focused on LGBTQIA+ youth and community. This year’s theme, Together We Thrive: Queer Youth, Community, and Change, reminds us that lasting change happens when we stand together in solidarity and support.
One of the most visible symbols of Pride is the Pride flag itself. While many people recognize the traditional rainbow flag, there are actually many Pride flags that represent the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community. The original rainbow flag, designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, was created as a symbol of hope, pride, and unity. Over time, additional flags have emerged to honor and affirm the many identities within the community, including the transgender flag, bisexual flag, pansexual flag, nonbinary flag, asexual flag, and the Progress Pride flag, which intentionally centers inclusion for transgender individuals and LGBTQIA+ communities of color.
These flags serve as powerful reminders that identity, expression, and belonging matter. They communicate visibility, affirmation, and solidarity—especially for individuals who may still be searching for spaces where they feel fully accepted and celebrated.
We also encourage everyone to take time this month to participate in a local Pride event, learn more about LGBTQIA+ history and advocacy, and celebrate the beauty of authenticity and inclusion. Some local Pride celebrations taking place throughout Southern California include:
Whether through attending an event, engaging in courageous conversations, supporting LGBTQIA+-affirming spaces, or simply showing up with compassion and openness, each of us has the ability to help create communities where everyone can thrive.
