On the evening of June 27th, the usual crowd gathered at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village. The origins of Gay and Lesbian Pride month can be traced back to a turbulent weekend in New York City in June of 1969. This month is dedicated to appreciating the contributions and significance of the GLBT community, and celebrates diversity and civil liberties and rights for all. In the spirit of honoring equality and freedom, the president said, 'I encourage all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that celebrate our diversity, and to remember throughout the year the gay and lesbian Americans whose many and varied contributions have enriched our national life.' On JPresident Clinton issued a proclamation designating June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. Until fairly recently, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) individuals did not have a specific month during which to celebrate and commemorate Pride Days in the United States.
