Pride Month: Honoring History, Advocacy, and the Power of Living Authentically
- Jacob David
- Jun 8, 2023
- 2 min read
Originally published by Mind Meld Psychotherapy, this post is now proudly shared by OSO Wellness in continued celebration and support of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Every June, communities across the globe come together to celebrate Pride Month—a time to uplift and honor the lives, history, and contributions of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. It is also a powerful reminder of the advocacy still needed to ensure equity, inclusion, and safety for all people, regardless of how they identify or whom they love.
In June 1999, President Bill Clinton issued Proclamation 7203, officially recognizing June as “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.” In 2011, President Barack Obama further expanded this acknowledgment, formally recognizing the month as a celebration of the full spectrum of LGBTQIA2S+ identities—Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and more.
Though LGBTQIA2S+ history spans centuries and civilizations, modern Pride Month traces its roots to the Stonewall Riots of June 1969 in New York City. In the early hours of June 28, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a beloved gay bar in Lower Manhattan. What followed was a spontaneous and fierce uprising against ongoing harassment, discrimination, and brutality. The Stonewall Riots became a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
One year later, in 1970, the first Pride marches were held in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City—marking the beginning of an annual tradition to honor resilience, fight injustice, and celebrate queer joy. Since then, Pride has grown into a global movement, with parades, rallies, educational forums, and commemorations around the world.
At OSO Wellness, we believe Pride is more than a moment—it’s a mindset of visibility, affirmation, and collective care. We stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA2S+ clients, staff, families, and communities, not only in June but every day.
🌈 What Does Being an Ally Look Like?
Being an ally means more than wearing a rainbow in June—it’s about active, ongoing support. Allies show up in big and small ways, including:
Interrupting discrimination or anti-LGBTQIA2S+ language when it occurs
Using correct pronouns and affirming identities without judgment
Listening, learning, and staying curious about LGBTQIA2S+ experiences
Volunteering or donating to organizations that serve the community
Advocating for inclusive policies in schools, workplaces, and beyond
Attending events, rallies, or Pride celebrations to show public support
To be an ally is to choose connection over comfort, action over silence, and compassion over fear. Allies aren’t perfect—but they are present.
📞 If you're seeking a safe, affirming space for therapy, OSO Wellness is here. Call us at (804) 409-7525 or visit our Client Portal to schedule a session with one of our licensed, LGBTQIA2S+-affirming clinicians in Virginia or Texas.
Together, we can build a world where everyone feels proud to live as they are.
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