The Stonewall riots were a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement. In the United States the last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as “Gay Pride Day,” but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the world the “day” soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events.
Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposium and concerts, and LGBT Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.
The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.
Gay
Can be either male or female. Someone whose primary sexual/emotional attraction is toward someone of same gender
Lesbian
Term representing gay women, although some women prefer to be called “gay”.
Bisexual
Attracted to both men and women. May form relationships with either gender at different times in life.
Heterosexual
Primary attraction is toward someone of opposite gender.
Transgender
Experiences conflict between biological gender identity and inner feeling of being male or female. May feel like a man in woman's body or vice versa. May pursue surgery to change physical gender.
Homophobia
Irrational fear of homosexuals or of being homosexual.
RESOURCES
Bisexual Resource Center
BiNet USA
American Institute of Bisexuality
Bi Magazine
The Lesbian Herstory Archives Lesbian News Magazine
The National Center for Lesbian Rights
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLADD)
Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund
Human Rights Campaign National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
GSA Network
International Gay and Lesbian Association
National Youth Advocacy Coalition
The National Center for Transgender Equality
International Foundation for Gender Education
Transgender Law & Policy Institute
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