On this second day of Pride Month, we honor Alison Bechdel, a trailblazing cartoonist and graphic memoirist, has profoundly influenced the queer community with her unique voice and compelling storytelling. Born in 1960, Alison is best known for her groundbreaking comic strip "Dykes to Watch Out For," which ran for over two decades and became a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ literature. Her work offered an authentic and nuanced portrayal of lesbian life, providing visibility and representation at a time when it was sorely lacking.

On the third day of Pride Month we look to Barbara Gittings, a formidable force in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, who dedicated her life to advocacy and activism. Born in 1932, Barbara's relentless pursuit of equality and justice began in the 1950s, a time when the LGBTQ+ community faced immense discrimination. She founded the New York chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian civil and political rights organization in the United States, providing a crucial platform for lesbians to gather and advocate for their rights.

On the fourth day of Pride month, we highlight Bayard Rustin, a monumental figure in the civil rights movement. Rustin was a tireless advocate for justice and equality, whose contributions extend deeply into the LGBTQ+ community. Born in 1912, Rustin was a key advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the chief organizer of the historic 1963 March on Washington. Despite facing significant discrimination due to his sexuality, Rustin's strategic brilliance and unwavering commitment to nonviolence were instrumental in advancing the civil rights movement.

On the fifth day of Pride Month we celebrate Jeanne Cordova, a fearless activist and a pioneering voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Born in 1948, Jeanne dedicated her life to advocating for lesbian rights and social justice. As the founder and editor of "The Lesbian Tide," one of the most influential lesbian feminist publications of the 1970s, she provided a critical platform for lesbian voices and issues at a time when visibility was limited.

Jeanne's activism extended beyond her work in media. She was a key organizer of the first National Lesbian Conference in 1973 and played a significant role in the early gay rights movement in Los Angeles, including her work with the Gay Community Services Center. Her commitment to intersectional feminism and LGBTQ+ rights made her a powerful force for change, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their identities and fight for equality. Today, we honor Jeanne Cordova's enduring legacy and continue to be inspired by her passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to justice and visibility for the queer community.

Learn more about Jeanne Cordova by CLICKING HERE

On the sixth day of Pride Month we highlight Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, known as Miss Major... a living legend and a fierce advocate for transgender rights and social justice. Born in 1940, Miss Major has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights and dignity of transgender women, particularly those of color. She was a key figure in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a pivotal event that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Despite facing immense adversity, her resilience and leadership have been a beacon of hope and strength for countless individuals.

Miss Major's influence extends far beyond Stonewall. She has tirelessly worked to support incarcerated trans women and those affected by the criminal justice system, recognizing the unique challenges they face. As the former executive director of the Transgender GenderVariant Intersex Justice Project (TGIJP), she has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and well-being of trans people in and out of prison. Miss Major's lifelong commitment to justice, her unapologetic authenticity, and her unwavering support for the most marginalized members of the queer community continue to inspire and empower new generations of activists. Today, we celebrate Miss Major's incredible legacy and honor her ongoing contributions to the fight for equality and justice.

Learn more about this fierce queer icon by CLICKING HERE

On this seventh day of Pride Month, we focus our attention on Sally Ride. Born in 1951, Sally Ride made history as the first American woman to travel to space, breaking barriers and inspiring countless individuals around the world. As a physicist and astronaut, she flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983 and 1984, paving the way for future generations of women in STEM fields. Beyond her groundbreaking achievements in space exploration, Sally Ride's legacy continues to resonate deeply within the LGBTQ+ community.

On the eighth day of Pride Month we celebrate Justin Vivian Bond, a visionary artist and fierce advocate for the queer community, who made a profound impact through their work in performance, music, and activism. Born in 1963, Justin Vivian, who uses the pronouns v and vself, has captivated audiences worldwide with v's dynamic performances and unapologetic authenticity. As a trailblazing cabaret performer, v's work with the iconic duo Kiki and Herb challenged societal norms and brought queer narratives to the forefront of the arts.

Beyond v's extraordinary artistic achievements, Justin Vivian Bond has been a powerful voice for transgender and non-binary rights, using v's platform to advocate for visibility and acceptance. V's memoir, "Tango: My Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels," offers an intimate look into v's journey and the complexities of navigating a world that often struggles to embrace diversity. Bond's relentless pursuit of self-expression and v's commitment to social justice continue to inspire and empower the LGBTQ+ community. Today, we celebrate Justin Vivian Bond's contributions to the arts and v's enduring legacy as a champion for equality and inclusion.

Learn more about this incredible queer icon by CLICKING HERE

On this ninth day of Pride Month, we look to Magnus Hirschfeld. Born in 1868, Hirschfeld was a groundbreaking physician, sexologist, and one of the earliest advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. Known as the "Einstein of Sex," Hirschfeld dedicated his life to studying and supporting sexual minorities, challenging societal norms, and advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals long before it was common or accepted. In 1919, he founded the Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin, which became a hub for research and education on sexuality and gender, offering a safe haven for countless LGBTQ+ individuals.

On the tenth day of Pride Month we highlight Billy Tipton. Born in 1914, Tipton was a talented jazz musician whose life and career continue to resonate deeply within the queer community. For decades, Billy performed as a skilled pianist and bandleader, gaining respect and admiration in the jazz world. However, it wasn't until after his death in 1989 that the world learned Tipton was assigned female at birth and had lived his life as a man. This revelation brought to light not only his musical genius but also his incredible courage and resilience.

On this eleventh day of Pride Month, we highlight Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Born in 1915, Tharpe was a groundbreaking musician whose electrifying guitar playing and powerful voice earned her the title "The Godmother of Rock 'n' Roll." As a pioneering gospel singer, she seamlessly blended spiritual lyrics with the rhythms of blues, jazz, and rock, influencing countless musicians, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Chuck Berry. Her unique style and stage presence shattered barriers, making her a trailblazer in the music industry.

On this twelfth day of Pride Month, we turn our attention to Charley Parkhurst. Born in 1812, Pankhurst was a renowned stagecoach driver in the American West who lived a remarkable and adventurous life. Assigned female at birth, Charley adopted a male identity early on and thrived in a rugged, male-dominated profession, becoming one of the most skilled and respected stagecoach drivers of the time. Known as "One-Eyed Charley" after losing an eye, Parkhurst's courage and tenacity left a lasting impact on the frontier.

On this thirteenth day of Pride Month, we celebrate Lani Ka’ahumanu. Born in 1943, Lani Ka’ahumanu is a pioneering activist and writer whose work has significantly shaped the bisexual and broader LGBTQ+ community. As a co-founder of BiNet USA and the first national bisexual network, Lani has been at the forefront of advocating for bisexual visibility and rights. Her groundbreaking anthology, "Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out," co-edited with Loraine Hutchins, remains a seminal work that challenges stereotypes and affirms bisexual identities.

On this fourteenth day of Pride Month, we honor Harry Hay who, born in 1912, was a visionary activist whose work laid the foundation for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. In 1950, Hay co-founded the Mattachine Society, one of the first homosexual rights organizations in the United States. This groundbreaking group sought to empower gay men and challenge the prevailing social stigmas and legal injustices they faced. Hay's leadership and courage in a time of rampant discrimination were instrumental in galvanizing early LGBTQ+ activism.

On this fifteenth day of Pride Month, we remember Mark Aguhar. Born in 1987, Aguhar was a transformative artist whose work profoundly impacted the queer and trans communities, particularly among people of color. As a multimedia artist and blogger, Mark's creations celebrated queer beauty, challenged societal norms, and provided a powerful voice against racism, transphobia, and fatphobia. Their art, often characterized by bold colors and striking imagery, unapologetically embraced and affirmed marginalized identities.

On this sixteenth day of Pride Month, we honor Sylvia Rivera who, born in 1951, was a tireless activist and a pivotal figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. As a transgender woman of Puerto Rican and Venezuelan descent, Sylvia dedicated her life to advocating for those most marginalized within the queer community. She was a prominent participant in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, an event that sparked the modern gay rights movement. Her courage and defiance in the face of oppression made her a symbol of resistance and resilience.

On this seventeenth day of Pride Month, we celebrate queer icon; Kiyoshi Kuromiya. Born in 1943, Kuromiya was a dedicated activist whose work spanned multiple movements, including civil rights, anti-war efforts, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. As a Japanese-American who experienced internment during World War II, Kiyoshi's early life was marked by injustice, fueling his lifelong commitment to fighting oppression in all forms. He was an active member of the Civil Rights Movement, working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and later became a prominent figure in the gay liberation movement.

On this eighteenth day of Pride Month, we turn our focus to Frank Kameny. Born in 1925, Kameny was a trailblazing activist whose tireless work laid the groundwork for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. After being unjustly fired from his job as an astronomer with the U.S. government in 1957 due to his homosexuality, Frank transformed his personal injustice into a lifelong commitment to activism. He famously coined the phrase "Gay is Good," promoting a positive, proud identity for LGBTQ+ individuals at a time when societal attitudes were overwhelmingly hostile.

On this nineteenth day of Pride Month, we remember Stormé DeLarverie who, born in 1920, was a trailblazing performer and fearless activist whose courage and defiance became a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. As a biracial lesbian and drag king, Stormé broke boundaries in the 1950s and 60s with the Jewel Box Revue, the first racially integrated drag show in North America. However, she is perhaps best known for her pivotal role in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, where her resistance against police brutality ignited the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

On this twentieth day of Pride Month, we honor Larry Kramer. Born in 1935, Kramer was a towering figure in the LGBTQ+ community whose fierce activism and unyielding passion transformed the landscape of queer rights. As a writer, playwright, and co-founder of Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) and later ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), Larry fearlessly fought against the government's neglect and societal stigma surrounding the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. His groundbreaking play "The Normal Heart" shed light on the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS and became a rallying cry for action and compassion.

On this twenty-first day of Pride Month, we celebrate Victoria Cruz. Born in 1947, Cruz is a trailblazing activist whose tireless advocacy has profoundly impacted the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals. As a transgender woman of color, Victoria has faced discrimination and adversity throughout her life, but she has never wavered in her commitment to fighting for justice and equality. Her groundbreaking work with the Anti-Violence Project has helped bring attention to the epidemic of violence against transgender people, while her activism with the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project has paved the way for greater protections and support for LGBTQ+ individuals.

On this twenty-second day of Pride Month, we remember Ma Rainey, a pioneering blues singer whose powerful voice and commanding presence earned her the title "Mother of the Blues." Born in 1886, Ma Rainey was one of the first professional blues singers to record over 100 songs that profoundly influenced the genre, including hits like "See See Rider" and "Prove It on Me Blues." Her music not only laid the groundwork for future blues artists but also provided a raw, authentic portrayal of African American life in the early 20th century.

On this twenty-third day of Pride Month, we remember queer icon, Pauli Murray who, born in 1910, was a pioneering attorney, activist, poet, and priest whose work laid the foundation for many of the advancements in civil rights and gender equality we see today. As a Black, non-binary individual, Pauli's intersectional identity informed their tireless advocacy for marginalized communities. Pauli was a key legal strategist, coining the term "Jane Crow" to highlight the intersection of racial and gender discrimination, and their groundbreaking legal arguments were instrumental in the fight against segregation and the push for gender equality.

On this twenty-fourth day of Pride Month, we highlight Ruth Ellis. Born in 1899, Ellis was a remarkable activist and a cherished figure within the LGBTQ+ community. As one of the oldest known surviving lesbians and a proud African American woman, Ruth's life spanned a century of profound social change. In the 1930s and 40s, she and her partner, Ceciline "Babe" Franklin, turned their Detroit home into a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ people of color. Their home, known affectionately as the "Gay Spot," provided a safe space for socializing and support long before such spaces were commonplace.

On this twenty-fifth day of Pride Month, we turn our attention to Simon Nkoli. Born in 1957, Nkoli was a trailblazing activist whose courageous efforts significantly advanced both LGBTQ+ rights and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. As a young activist, Simon fought against apartheid, joining the anti-government protests and becoming a member of the United Democratic Front. His dedication to justice led to his imprisonment during the Delmas Treason Trial, where his coming out as gay marked a pivotal moment in South African history, intertwining the struggles for racial and sexual equality.

On this twenty-sixth day of Pride Month, we honor José Sarria. Born in 1922, Sarria was a pioneering figure in LGBTQ+ history and an unstoppable force for change. As the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in the United States in 1961, José broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ politicians. His bold campaign for a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors challenged societal norms and demonstrated the power of visibility and representation.

On this twenty-seventh day of Pride Month, we highlight Jackie Shane, a groundbreaking soul singer who, born in 1940 was an extraordinary talent and whose unapologetic authenticity left an indelible mark on music and the LGBTQ+ community. As a Black transgender woman in the 1960s, Jackie broke barriers with her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, becoming a beloved figure in the Toronto music scene. Her hit single, "Any Other Way," not only topped the charts but also subtly conveyed messages of resilience and identity.

On this twenty-eighth day of Pride Month, we remember and honor Gwen Araujo. Born in 1985, Araujo was a vibrant young transgender woman whose life, though tragically cut short, became a powerful symbol for the fight against transgender violence and discrimination. Gwen's bravery in living her true self despite the risks and challenges she faced continues to inspire the LGBTQ+ community. Her untimely death in 2002, resulting from a brutal hate crime, brought national attention to the urgent need for protections and understanding for transgender individuals.

On this twenty-ninth day of Pride Month, we highlight Lea DeLaria. Born in 1958, DeLaria is a dynamic performer whose groundbreaking work in comedy, music, and acting has made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community. As one of the first openly gay comics to appear on national television, Lea broke barriers with her 1993 appearance on "The Arsenio Hall Show," boldly challenging stereotypes and paving the way for future LGBTQ+ performers. Her fearless humor and unapologetic identity have inspired countless individuals to embrace their true selves.