Pride Month: History, Meaning, and Why It Still Matters Today
By: Ian Hope – Social Determinants of Health Coordinator
In the United States, June is Pride Month (known simply as “Pride” to some), a celebration of identity, community, and progress made towards a more LGBTQIA+-inclusive society. To truly celebrate how far the community has come, we must reflect on its history and look forward to the community’s future as we shape the care they receive.
What Is Pride Month? History, Origins, and the Stonewall Uprising
The first Pride was a riot. The Stonewall uprising, named after the Stonewall Inn where it occurred, took place on June 28, 1969. Though LGBTQIA+ history in the U.S. stretches far back before this event, it is widely considered the foundational moment of modern-day Pride and the spark that ignited the LGBTQIA+ rights movement in the U.S. One year later, in commemoration, the Christopher Street Liberation Day March took place. The term “gay pride” was coined, acknowledging the lack of political power but encouraging people to find pride in their community and themselves. This would later evolve into the Pride Month parades we know today. Pride Month was federally recognized in 1999 by then-President Bill Clinton.
Why Pride Month Still Matters in 2026 and Beyond
It’s helpful to take a moment and recognize that most of the historic progress for the LGBTQIA+ community is less than 60 years old, including marriage rights granted in 2015. LGBTQIA+ rights are still being challenged, and there is still work to be done. True to its roots, Pride is also a call to action.
How Does SouthLight’s Work Integrate with Pride?
As providers, we have the important tasks of supporting the underserved and advocating for equitable treatment in healthcare. Our work certainly includes the LGBTQIA+ community, but our role goes beyond our clients’ general assessments and implementation of treatment plans. We embrace them as they are, create an inclusive and understanding environment, and empower them to pursue the future they are meant to achieve.
Understanding LGBTQIA+ Mental Health and Substance Use Disparities
LGBTQIA+ are 23% more likely to use illicit drugs.
~ 39% of LGBTQIA+ report having a mental illness.
Suicide has exponentially grown as a cause of death among
LGBTQIA+ aged 10-24.
Sources for statistics:
ACLU: Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2026 | American Civil Liberties Union
GLAAD: The ALERT Desk: Anti-LGBTQ Extremism Reporting Tracker | GLAAD
Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network (PTTC), funded by SAMHSA: LGBTQ-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Why Showing Up for Pride Matters
Each year, SouthLight team members participate in Pride events across the communities we serve, demonstrating our commitment to visibility, inclusion, and solidarity. But supporting Pride isn’t limited to June—it’s reflected in everyday actions, workplace culture, and community engagement. We remain committed to advocating for equitable care and creating safe spaces where everyone can thrive.
SouthLight Employees Perspectives on Pride
“Meaningful change often begins with small actions. In terms of inclusion and equity, no single person can solve inequality on their own, but everyone has the power to impact others through everyday choices and actions positively…Like ripples spreading across water, acts of inclusion and equity can grow outward, influencing communities and creating lasting social change over time.”
—Lucius Wilson, Lead Counselor – Durham
“Celebrating Pride helps to create a welcoming and accepting environment for staff and clients. It also helps embed respect and acknowledgment of a client’s identity within the LGBTQIA+ community into our practice and whole-person care at SouthLight.”
—Kirsten Gade, Medical Program Manager
“Attending Pride shows our commitment to celebrating individuals for who they are, especially in a world that doesn’t always show up ready to celebrate in the joy of the community. This is deeply meaningful as it aids people in self-acceptance, love, and compassion.”
—Grace Gilmore, Learning & Development Coordinator
“We celebrate Pride because this is our community—not just for our clients, but for our team as well. When we show up as our authentic selves, we show the individuals we serve (and the community as a whole) that it’s possible. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we continue to show up for each other.”
—Jacki Augusta, Director of Operations-Population Health
