These Powerful Photos of LGBTQ+ History Will Make Your Heart Burst With Pride

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, to gay men from the 60s who marched on the streets before Pride Parades 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 and sharing why you're proud to be LGBTQ (or an LGBTQ ally) on social media.

New York City, 1968
Getty | Peter Keegan

New York City, 1968

Gay rights activists march for the Civil Rights Act's amendment to include the gay community.

New York City, 1979
Getty | Brian Alpert

New York City, 1979

An activist holds up a fantastic sign during a gay rights march.

Washington DC, 1993
Getty | Paul J. Richards

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
Getty | Chris Hondros

New York City, 2000

Hillary Clinton, then a senate candidate, joins the annual Gay Pride parade.

Washington DC, 2000
Getty | Michael Smith

Washington DC, 2000

A couple holds hands during the fourth annual march for LGBTQ rights.

Getty | Pool

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 City, 2014
Getty | Spencer Platt

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.