Gay Pride Gay Power

LGBT pride events are a great place to meet other gay people, learn about the history of LGBT rights and rally for LGBT equality. March in a parade near you or just join the crowd. The 2007 LGBT pride events promise to be more invigorating than ever!

What is Gay Pride?

Gays in a growing number of cities and countries participate in annual parades, festivals and events collectively called gay pride. Most gay prides span from a few days to over a week and are filled with dances, volunteer and social events and highly publicized parades. These pride events are organized by local charities or volunteer organizations.

History of Gay Pride

The first gay pride parade in 1969, known as the March on Stonewall, started as a protest against discrimination and violence against gays in New York City. Today, pride events have become an annual ritual and have grown to include thousands of gay and gay-friendly participants, not to mention hundreds of spectators.

Many gays and lesbians dress in bright colors, head-to-toe leather or sometimes next to nothing. But regardless of the attire, all of the participants join the festivities to remind the world that gays deserve the same rights as others and people should be free to live their own lifestyle, void of judgement or hate. Gay pride is also a symbol of solidarity and an opportunity to express the vivid personalities which reflect the diverse gay communities throughout the world. During this time (and in many places year round), the skies are covered with the gay pride flags and banners, the symbol of gay solidarity and freedom.

Meaning and History of The Gay Pride or Rainbow Flag

The gay pride flag was designed by Gilbert Baker and debuted at the 1978 San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade. It's inspiration came from the black civil rights and hippie movements. Each color on the gay pride flag has as different meaning. Test your knowledge below.

Rainbow Pride Flag

RED = Life

ORANGE = Healing

YELLOW = Sun

GREEN = Nature

ROYAL BLUE = Harmony

VIOLET = Spirit

Adding a black stripe to the bottom of the flag represents victory over AIDS. It can also signify leather daddy pride.

Join Gay Pride! Tell the World Who You Are and Have Gay Days for the Rest of Your Life!

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