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Gay
Nanaimo Information and Events
Upcoming
Meetings
2010
Executive Committee
2009
Proclamation Photo
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History of Gay
Pride
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It started in 1969
in New York City on the evening of June 17th. The
Stonewall Inn, a very popular gay hangout in the Greenwich
Village section of the city, was packed with its usual crowd.
What was somewhat unusual about the night was that New York
City Alcohol and Beverage Control Board agents, along with a
group of NYPD officers, raided the bar to enforce a
seldom-used law. This action was not uncommon, as raids
on gay establishments were carried out around the city with
virtually no resistance. Patrons were escorted out of
their gathering places, sometimes by force, occasionally
beaten, and quite regularly arrested for no just reason.
And in fact, the raid on this night was the second on that
very establishment in less than seven days.
But there was one thing very different about this night.
Lesbian and gay men decided spontaneously and for the very
first time to fight the police harassment. The crowd,
both inside and outside of the bar, erupted with violent
resistance as the officers began to pick and choose which
customers would be hauled off to jail. More and more law
enforcement officers were summoned, and the patrons became
even more united in increased outrage.
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Word of this event spread like wildfire, and larger throngs
gathered on the following nights to denounce and protest the
mistreatment. These rallies became known as the
"Stonewall Rebellion" and the "March on
Stonewall," and were the genesis of the modern gay and
lesbian freedom movement. They were directed against the
violence and widespread discrimination against the community.
Out of these demonstrations was born the gay community's quest
for equality, liberation, and basic civil rights. |
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Pride celebrations today
have evolved into an annual ritual and have mushroomed to encompass
hundreds of thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
participants throughout the entire world ... and this does not include
the countless spectators. The attire of attendees is generally
vibrant, and can range from next to nothing to full leather and fetish
wear. It is all a reminder to the world that we deserve and are
entitled to the exact same rights as other citizens, and should enjoy
the freedom to live our own lifestyles without others passing judgment
and spewing hatred. As important, the celebrations are a symbol
of unity and solidarity, and provide a vehicle to demonstrate the
unique personality and characteristics that make up the very diverse
GLBT populations of the world.
Gay Pride also allows the community to establish a presence, and
create an awareness that hopefully stimulates intelligent discussions.
For many it is their very first step out of the proverbial closet.
And for all it is an opportunity to participate in some of the biggest
events of the year and to share their experiences.
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All of the various
celebrations throughout the world are unique; however, there
is one common element: the gay pride or rainbow flag.
This symbol was the creation of Gilbert Baker in response to
local activists saying that the community needed a symbol of
unity, and was unveiled during the San Francisco Gay and
Lesbian Festival in 1978. Its design was actually
inspired by the earlier black civil rights and
"hippie" movements. And today, even
the International Association of Flag Manufacturers has
acknowledged the flag.
The rainbow flag has become the most visible icon of the GLBT
community, and is a symbol that is recognized worldwide.
The community has united with pride, determination and
diversity under its colors. |
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Each
color of the flag was designed to have a different meaning:
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| RED |
ORANGE |
YELLOW |
GREEN |
BLUE |
VIOLET |
| Life |
Healing |
Sun |
Nature |
Harmony |
Spirit |
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