Gay Pride Month – 10 Years and Counting

First celebrated 10 years ago, Gay Pride Month was originally created by President Bill Clinton in 2000 as a way to recognize the contributions gay, lesbian, bisexuals, and transgender individuals have contributed to their communities and country as well as commemorate the fight for gay rights.

In 1969, New York City police raided a local gay club in the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. The raid touched off a series of protests and riots over the next few weeks as the police attempted to crack down on the LGBT community. In response, community leaders began to take a more active role in organizing protests and campaigns that would turn into the gay rights movement.

And despite the name, you don't have to be gay to celebrate Gay Pride Month. While anyone can slap a rainbow sticker on their shirt, the best way to celebrate Gay Pride Month is actually by showing tolerance toward others regardless of their sexual preference, religion, or color of their skin.