PITTSBURGH PRIDE MONTH
Every year the LGBTQ+ community celebrates June as Pride Month.
So why does Pride happen during the month of June?
On June 28, 1969, the New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn – a popular gathering spot for LGBTQ+ people at the time. Police raids targeting LGBTQ+ people were common then. But this time, people fought back. Many were people of color, trans, and drag queens.
(Read about the black trans woman Marsha P. Johnson and trans rights advocate Sylvia Rivera to learn more about their advocacy and legacy. Both were at the Stone Wall riots.)
The raid led to several days of riots and protests. The Gay Rights Movement was born. And the first Pride parade happened the following year, in 1970.
Now each year throughout the United States and the world, June is the month to celebrate these trailblazers. Pride month is a celebration of what has been achieved and activism for what more needs to be done for the LGBTQ+ community.
What do the colors of the Pride Flag mean?
The Pride Flag was created in 1978 by artist Gilbert Baker. The original flag had eight stripes. But due to fabric availability and logistics, the number was reduced to six.
The original rainbow colors stand for:
Red: Life
Orange: Healing
Yellow: Sunshine
Green: Nature
Blue: Harmony
Purple: Spirit
Later a separate triangle was added to the top of the flag. Those colors represent:
Black: Diversity
Brown: Inclusivity
Light blue and pink: Trans
Pittsburgh Pride
This year numerous events will be happening around the city for Pittsburgh Pride.
The Pittsburgh Fitness Project will be hosting several events during Lawrenceville Pride on Saturday, June 17th.
We start with a Pride Boot Camp at 10 AM in the lower level of the Lawrenceville Shopping Center at 5500 Butler Street, right in front of our facility. Parking is available in the upper lot where the Shop ‘N Save is located.
The Boot Camp will benefit SisTers PGH – a black and trans-led non-profit dedicated to serving POC, trans, and nonbinary people in SW Pennsylvania.
Donations will be taken at the door.
You can sign up for the boot camp here.
We are also hosting a Pride Weightlifting Meet. Participants can sign up here. Or you can just stick around to watch.
We’ll be having a BBQ and drinks after the Boot Camp. And you can check out all our facility has to offer. We provide a safe space for everyone to feel welcome.
You can set up your FREE fitness assessment through our Get Started tab at www.pittsburghfitnessproject.com.