The month of June is designated as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month). On several different occasions in history, past United States Presidents have recognized June as National Pride Month with the first former Presidential recognition coming from former President Bill Clinton in 1999. In 1969, homosexuality or "sodomy," was considered a crime. This meant that men could be arrested for wearing drag, and women would faced the same punishment if they were found wearing less "feminine clothing." On June 28, 1969, the police arrived at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village in New York City. In response to the arrival of law enforcement, the 200 patrons inside resisted and rioted. This became known as the Stonewall riots and this led to national wide attention on discriminatory practices against the LGBT community and this incident also led to June being National Pride Month.
-The Aiken Foundation
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