This Pride Month, we're taking a look back in American history to celebrate those who fought before us to make strides toward securing equality for the LGBTQ community. Through images of courageous, hopeful people — from longtime partners who were among the first gay couples to be legally married [1], to gay men from the 60s who marched on the streets before Pride Parades [2] were attended by millions — we are reminded we owe so much as a nation to these brave, LGBTQ Americans.
You can show your support today by downloading our printable Pride Month sign [3] and sharing why you're proud to be LGBTQ (or an LGBTQ ally) on social media.
New York City, 1968
Gay rights activists march for the Civil Rights Act's amendment to include the gay community.
New York City, 1979
An activist holds up a fantastic sign during a gay rights march.
Washington DC, 1993
Protestors take to the streets calling for an end to all anti-gay legislation and in support of AIDS research.
New York City, 2000
Hillary Clinton, then a senate candidate, joins the annual Gay Pride parade.
Washington DC, 2000
A couple holds hands during the fourth annual march for LGBTQ rights.
Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, who had been a couple since 1950, were one of the first gay couples to marry in San Francisco following the legalization of gay marriage there in 2008.
New York, 2011
Mayor Michael Bloomberg officiates the wedding of two City Hall clerks in one of the first gay marriages in New York State.
New York City, 2014
The National Park Service announces it will identify and protect sites across the city associated with the LGBTQ civil rights movement. Here, the NPS stands in front of the Stonewall Inn.