Pride month is an observant month that recognizes and honors individuals who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community (Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and more). Pride month is an opportunity to reflect on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community’s history, celebrate the present, and dream about the future. Across the United States and the world, Pride Month celebrations include parades, festivals, and many other events.
Significance and History of Pride Month
Pride Month is a time to honor and uplift the 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in our communities. Despite facing intolerance and unjust behavior in the past, the 2SLGBTQIA community has made significant contributions to society. This month, we celebrate their successes, influence, and progress.
Before pride marches, the Eastern Regional Conference of Homophile Organizations (E.R.C.H.O) would organize “Annual Reminder Day Pickets,” which was the earliest form of organized demonstrations for homosexual rights in the United States. The tension between the LGBTQ+ community and the United States erupted on June 28, 1969, on Christopher Street in New York City, NY. The Stonewall Uprising was a series of conflicts lasting almost a week between the NYPD and LGBTQ+ citizens of NYC. After the Stonewall Uprising, the last Reminder Day Picket occurred on July 4, 1969.
The E.R.C.H.O.’s Reminder Day Pickets evolved into a parade to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising and uplift queer identities. In NYC, the parade was called the “Christopher Street Liberation Day” (June 28, 1970), which concluded Gay Pride Week (June 22-28, 1970). It was successful, having thousands of participants and inspiring a spread across the United States and the world a year later.
Former President Bill Clinton proclaimed recognition of June as Pride Month in 2000. Later former President Barack Obama proclaimed June be “National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month” on June 1, 2009. Former President Joe Biden proclaimed Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month through his term from (2021-2024).
Meaningful Ways to Engage During Pride:
Art: Learn about LGBTQ+ perspectives through film, literature, music, and curated exhibitions.
History: Learn about scientific breakthroughs, legislation, and LGBTQ+ rights, along with many other cultural contributions.
Community: Support LGBTQ-owned businesses and attend local events that celebrate, uplift, or advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Advocacy: Work towards equality for the LGBTQ+ community through education, volunteering, and donating.
Pride Events in OKC:
May 27: OKC Pride Bowling Night, from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge. Click here for more information.
May 30: OKC Pride Opening Ceremonies from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM at NW 39th St & N Pennsylvania Ave. Join OCU Law Dean Mayor Holt in proclaiming Pride. Click here for more information.
June 13: PRIDE! on the Plaza 2025, from 3–10 p.m. at the Plaza District. Click here for more information.
June 27-29: Oklahoma PrideFest 2025 starts on Friday and concludes on Sunday. Downtown OKC at Scissortail Park. Click here for more information about the festival.
The OCU Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will be celebrating Pride Month on June 1 at the Pride on 39th St. Parade from 6 to 8 p.m. on 39th St and Classen Blvd. In partnership with OCU Law OUTLaws, and OCU Student Affairs and to conclude Pride Month on June 29 at the 2025 Pridefest Parade from 11 a.m. to noon at Scissortail Park in Downtown OKC. In partnership with OCU Law OUTLaws, and OCU Student Affairs. Click here to register!
To learn more about the parades, visit:
https://www.okpridealliance.org/
We aim to facilitate inclusive opportunities for the OCU community and guests.
For accommodation, please contact us at [email protected] or call 405-208-5030.
Sources:
www.loc.gov/ghe/cascade/index.html?appid=90dcc35abb714a24914c68c9654adb67.
www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/june-28.
