Pride Events - Beyond Parades

The month of June presents wonderful opportunities to learn more about the historical oppression of sexual minorities in the United States.  On June 18th PBS will air The Lavender Scare

The documentary tells the story of federal workers who were either fired or denied employment because they were gay.  The time was the 1950's and President Eisenhower signed an order barring gays from federal employment.   One of the people featured in the film is Frank Kameny who had organized the Mattachine Society, an early gay advocacy organization.   When a Texas congressman introduced a bill that would ban the Mattchine Society,   Kameny insisted upon testifying before congress.  Kamely became the first openly gay man to do so.

Joan Cassidy is a retired Navy captain who tells the story of living in fear that she would be discovered to be a lesbian.   Her story is featured in the documentary.

Pride parades will be held world-wide. Pride events will be held throughout the year. A listing of US and International Pride events can be found here.

In New York City tours of sites significant to LGBT history are available. Sites include the Stonewall Inn and the Gay Liberation Monumen

CNN Travel lists happenings beyond parades including Chicago's Pride Run, a Queer Family Portrait Exhibit in San Francisco, and a July 5th Niagra Falls celebration featuring the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performing show tunes with a backdrop of a pride light show, and a Queer Art Walk in Seattle.