On June 28, 1969, LGBTQ people were fed up. Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera among other LGBTQ individuals fought back against the NYPD who had been terrorizing their community for far too long. From the first brick thrown to today, LGBTQ people have fought hard for their place in the world. Marriage equality, the striking down of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and many other wins have been the most notable highlights. Unfortunately, housing and job discrimination still persist, the life expectancy of Black Trans women is only 35 years old, LGBTQ teens have higher rates of suicide than their heterosexual peers. LGBTQ individuals are negatively affected by homelessness. Although there has been much progress, there is still work to be done.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. There have been Pride celebrations throughout the world all month.

The LGBTQ community has come a long way since 1969, but the fight is not over. More must be done to ensure everyone in the LGBTQ community has the same opportunites and rights as one another. Many LGBTQ individuals live at the intersection of various identities, so the fight becomes two-fold, but the fight must go on.

Happy Pride Month! Keep Fighting! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈