McKee issues proclamation to mark June as Pride month

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The start of June kicks off Pride month around the U.S. and in some parts of the world. In Rhode Island, Gov. Dan McKee issued a proclamation to mark June as Pride month.

“Rhode Island stands with the LGBTQ+ community this month and every month,” said McKee. “Diversity is what makes us all stronger. We will continue to push back against intolerance to ensure all individuals are safe and welcome in Rhode Island.”

McKee and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos also hosted a celebration of Pride at the State House.

“Today’s celebration is our promise that Rhode Island is and always will be a refuge from persecution,” said Matos.

The Pride Progress flag was also raised, and the building will be lit with Pride colors through June 18 for Pride weekend. McKee and Matos held a similar event last year.

During that weekend, Rhode Island Pride will hold the 47th Rhode Island PrideFest & Illuminated Night Parade in downtown Providence — which attracts over 100,000 people.

June has been an important month for the LGBTQ+ rights movement since New York City’s first Pride march on June 28, 1970. That event marked an act of defiance from the year before, a 1969 uprising at New York City’s Stonewall Inn.

For more than a half-century, the annual marches have been an opportunity to demand action on specific issues such as the AIDS epidemic and same-sex marriage while also serving as a public celebration.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.