Love is Love: A Peek to the History of Pride Month

It is that time of the year when a unified community commemorates its resilience and persistence to defend its rights. A hurrah for love, equality, and acceptance, its existence is a testimony of the hardships and struggles the LGBT civil rights activists faced to bring forth a safer space for the LGBTQ+ community. To honor this year’s pride month, let us shed light upon the historical moments that sowed the seeds of change.

Originated in the United States, the month-long celebration gives a nod of respect to the Stonewall riots that took place back in June of 1869. History was made when supporters of the Stonewall Inn waged an insurgency in New York City against the blatant brutality and harassment by the police towards the American members of the LGBT. As a result, the whole month of June is dedicated to celebrating this pivotal moment with events such as workshops, marches, and parties. It was an uprising that ignited a new era where acceptance and equality gradually flourish and thrive in a once conservative community.

This sprout of reform started to grow in the Philippines when the first Pride march took place on June 26, 1994. This momentous event was made possible by the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Manila and the Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay Philippines) as a toast to the Stonewall riots that preceded the Pride march 25 years prior. In the streets of Quezon City came flooding in a mass of supporters who planted the seed of change. This seed soon grew into today’s society, where awareness toward issues concerning this perseverant group is amplified.

In times of mistreatment and discrimination, these individuals did not bend against the strong winds and instead inspired change in their surroundings.

The month-long celebration of love and acceptance is a commemoration of the trials and tribulations the LGBTQ+ group overcame to create a safer space for its members. It is a victory that sheds light upon the efforts of the LGBT civil rights activists to safeguard their rights, a triumph that all individuals of the community share and proudly honor, for the pride month is a symbol of its perseverance and resilience.