June marks Pride Month in many countries around the world. The time of year was not chosen randomly as it commemorates events that took place on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York.

Located on Christopher Street in New York, the Stonewall Inn became an explicitly LGBTIQ*[1] bar during the 60s. Police raids and police violence were common at the Stonewall Inn  as the bar did not have a liquor license and at the time, homosexuality was still considered a crime.

During a raid on the night of June 27-28, 1969, lesbians, gays and trans individuals stood up against police brutality for the first time. The Stonewall Inn incident on June 28 launched a series of protests and demonstrations against discrimination and police violence.

June 1969 marks the dawn of modern Western LGBTIQ* movements. The first Christopher Street Liberation Day was organized in New York on June 28, 1970. “Stonewall Inn” and its address, “Christopher Street”, became synonymous with the struggle against discrimination against the LGBTIQ* community. Since then, most LGBTIQ* events have been organized in remembrance of the Stonewall riots in New York, resulting in celebrating Pride Month annually in June.

Much has happened since queer activists first campaigned for equal rights and acceptance. Queer people have won acceptance and rights in many Western European countries and are now living their lives openly. Despite these advances, political and social resistance continue to exist. Exclusion and defamation are an ongoing problem and in this country, the LGBTIQ* community still experiences physical violence. Internationally, the situation is worse. In 70 countries around the world, homosexuality remains a punishable offense.

_{[1] LGBTIQ* stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer. The asterisk symbolizes anyone else who feels they do not fall into the heteronormative category on account of their gender identity and/or their sexual/romantic attraction.}