For decades, the LGBTQ+ community has fought for the right to love, exist, and thrive without fear of oppression or persecution. Pride Month is a time to celebrate the strides that have been made in securing these rights, but it’s also a time to reflect upon the history and evolution of gay rights.

The Stonewall Riots, which occurred in June of 1969, are often seen as the catalyst for the modern gay rights movement in the United States. Transgender women of color, sex workers, and other LGBTQ+ individuals fought back against police brutality and harassment during a raid at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City. The riots sparked a wave of protests and advocacy efforts that eventually led to the first Pride marches.

In the years following Stonewall, activists worked tirelessly to fight against discrimination and injustice. They fought for legal protections against workplace discrimination, hate crimes, and housing discrimination, and their efforts ultimately led to the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States in 2015.

But the fight for equality is far from over. LGBTQ+ individuals still face discrimination and harassment in many areas of their lives, and there are ongoing efforts to roll back the progress that has been made. Transgender individuals are particularly vulnerable to these attacks, with state-level legislation targeting their rights.

Reflecting on the history and evolution of gay rights is important because it allows us to see how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go. It also helps us to appreciate the sacrifices that activists and community members have made to secure the rights that many of us take for granted today.

Now more than ever, it’s essential that we continue the fight for equality and justice. This means advocating for LGBTQ+ rights at the local, state, and national levels, supporting organizations that support LGBTQ+ individuals, and standing up against discrimination and hate in all its forms.

As we celebrate Pride Month, let’s take the time to reflect on the progress that has been made and recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equality and justice. We owe it to ourselves, our fellow community members, and future generations to keep pushing forward until every LGBTQ+ person is able to live their lives fully and without fear.