Pride Month is celebrated every June to honor the LGBTQ+ community and recognize the fight for equality and human rights. Its origins are connected to the discrimination and unfair treatment many LGBTQ+ people faced throughout history, especially during the 1950s and 1960s, when same-sex relationships were criminalized in many places, and people could lose jobs or safety because of their sexual identity. A major turning point occurred on June 28, 1969, during the Stonewall Uprising in New York City, when members of the LGBTQ+ community resisted a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. The protests lasted several days and became a symbol of resistance against discrimination and police harassment.
In 1970, the first Pride marches were held in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to honor the anniversary of Stonewall and demand equal rights. Over time, these marches expanded into Pride Month celebrations that include parades and festivals. Pride Month also honors the activists who fought for LGBTQ+ rights and remembers those who faced violence, discrimination, and the impact of the HIV epidemic. Today, Pride Month is celebrated in many countries around the world as both a celebration of identity and diversity and a reminder that the fight for equality and inclusion continues.
Pride Month is recognized at Wooster in many ways. GLOW club runs all year, and they encourage anyone and everyone to stop by. Presentations typically take place during chapel to recognize and celebrate Pride Month. Wooster additionally flies a Pride flag in June.
“[Pride Month at Wooster] provides a space for queer people to live as they are and be treated as human beings,” Brynne ’27, president of GLOW club, said.
“As a community, being able to learn and support people is what helps us grow together,” Jax ’26 agreed.
Mr. Reynolds is the faculty adviser to the GLOW club, as well as the SEL counselor at Wooster.
“I remember being in high school, and pride existed, but it was this secret thing,” he said. “I feel like it really just makes people who are queer in the LGBTQ community so much more comfortable being here.”
Additionally, Mr. Reynolds suggested that “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan should be played on the bells.
One way to get involved with Pride Month is by supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ community in ways that feel most comfortable and meaningful to you. In Connecticut and New York, you can attend local Pride events such as parades, festivals, and community celebrations in places like New York City, Stamford, New Haven, or Hartford, where there are often performances and art displays for different age groups. Wooster will be attending Ridgefield Pride on June 6.
Another great way to get involved is volunteering at local LGBTQ centers and participating in Wooster events. Even small actions, such as educating yourself, attending events with family and friends, wearing pride colors, and standing up against discrimination, can help make your area a more inclusive and accepting community.
Kayla '28
Journalism Student
Piper '28
Journalism Student
