Introduction

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month, which is observed during the month of June, celebrates the achievements of the LGBTQ community and recognizes the historical and cultural contributions made by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

This guide is designed to assist congressional offices with their work related to LGBTQ Pride Month. Resources include census and demographic data, CRS reports, presidential proclamations, and cultural and historical resources.

Background and History

LGBTQ Pride Month is observed throughout the month of June to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising, a landmark moment in LGBTQ history. On June 28, 1969, patrons of The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Manhattan, resisted a police raid, igniting demonstrations and protests that sparked the modern gay rights movement.¹

Pride Month was first formally recognized on June 11, 1999, when President William J. Clinton issued Proclamation 7203, recognizing June as "Gay and Lesbian Pride Month."² On June 1, 2009, President Barack H. Obama expanded the commemorative month to include bisexual and transgender Americans when he declared June "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month."³ On June 24, 2016, President Obama designated Stonewall National Monument, America's first national park site dedicated to LGBTQ history.⁴

Today, LGBTQ Pride Month celebrations commonly include parades, marches, parties, concerts, and events across the nation.⁵ LGBTQ rainbow pride flags are also displayed prominently throughout the month. Gilbert Baker, an Army veteran, artist, and gay rights activist, created the rainbow flag in 1978 as a symbol of the diversity of the community.⁶

Legislation

The House and Senate have passed multiple resolutions recognizing LGBTQ Pride Month over the years:

H.Res. 1198 (2022), Encouraging the celebration of the month of June as "LGBTQIA+ Pride Month."

S.Res. 652 (2022), A resolution recognizing June 2022 as "LGBTQ Pride Month."

H.Res. 489 (2021), Encouraging the celebration of June as "LGBTQIA+ Pride Month."

S.Res. 261 (2021), A resolution recognizing June 2021 as "LGBTQ Pride Month."

H.Res. 1014 (2020), Encouraging the celebration of June as "LGBTQ Pride Month."

S.Res. 627 (2020), A resolution recognizing June 2020 as "LGBTQ Pride Month."

Sample Congressional Speeches and Recognitions

Some Members of Congress typically make floor statements, issue press releases, or enter Extensions of Remarks into the Congressional Record to recognize federal holidays and observances. The following are some recent LGBTQ Pride Month examples:

Representative Danny K. Davis, "In Celebration of June as National Pride Month," Congressional Record, daily edition, vol.168 (June 28, 2022), p. E676.

Representative Robin Kelly, "Fighting for the Rights of LGBTQ+ People," Congressional Record, daily edition, vol.168 (June 22, 2022), p. E676.

Representative Sanford D. Bishop Jr., "Commemorating LGBTQ Pride Month," Congressional Record, daily edition, vol.167 (June 22, 2021), p. E676.

Senator Patty Murray, "Pride Month," Congressional Record, daily edition, vol.166 (June 30, 2020), p. S4028.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, "Fitzpatrick Recognizes LGBT Pride Month," press release, June 5, 2018.

Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, "LGBT Pride Month," Congressional Record, daily edition, vol.163 (June 12, 2017), p. H4836.

Presidential Proclamations and Remarks

One of the many uses of a presidential proclamation is to ceremoniously honor a group or call attention to specific issues or events. Some recent statements commemorating LGBTQ Pride Month from the Compilation of Presidential Documents are the following:

Presidential Proclamations—Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (2021-)

Presidential Proclamations—Donald J. Trump (2017-2021)

Presidential Proclamations—Barack H. Obama (2010-2017)

Presidential Proclamations—William J. Clinton (1994-2001)

Statistics

Numerous federal and private sources maintain statistics on the LGBTQ population. Some useful data include the following:

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, "LGBT FAQs."

U.S. Census Bureau, "LGBTQIA+ Pride Month: June 2022." Stats for Stories, June 2022.

Jeffrey M. Jones, "LGBT Identification in U.S. Ticks Up to 7.1%." Gallup, Inc., February 22, 2022.

Historical and Cultural Resources

Numerous organizations provide information on the history and culture of LGBTQ Americans. Some of these include the following:

National Archives, LGBTQ Pride Month. The National Archives is home to a vast collection of documents from the U.S. government on issues of sexual identity and rights. 

Library of Congress; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month. In recognition of LGBTQ Pride Month, the Library of Congress has created a site that highlights events, exhibits, collections, and educational materials related to LGBTQ Pride Month.

LGBTQ History in Government Documents. This guide highlights primary sources documenting the U.S. federal government's stance on issues related to the LGBT movement from the 1800s to the present day.

National Park Service, Stonewall National Monument. The National Park Service features historic properties listed in the National Register and National Park units "highlighting important aspects of the LGBTQ experience in America."

Related CRS Reports

CRS Report R43539, Commemorations in Congress: Options for Honoring Individuals, Groups, and Events, coordinated by Jacob R. Straus. This report provides a discussion of the legislative and nonlegislative commemorative options available to Congress.

CRS Report R44431, Commemorative Days, Weeks, and Months: Background and Current Practice, by Jacob R. Straus and Jared C. Nagel. This report provides information on commemorative legislation that recognizes a specific time period and discusses options for Congress.