Pride Has Always Been About Organizing
Pride is more than a celebration. It is a reminder that progress is won through collective action. This month marks the 57th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, which began on June 28, 1969, when LGBTQ+ people fought back against police harassment and discrimination at New York City’s Stonewall Inn. The uprising became a catalyst for a global movement demanding equality, dignity, and human rights. A year later, thousands gathered in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York for the first Pride marches, demonstrating the power of people coming together to challenge injustice and demanding change.
The lessons of Stonewall are still true today: when we fight, we win–and we transform society in the process.
Honoring LGBTQ+ Leadership
At Community Coalition, we stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ fam. We honor your struggles, celebrate your victories, and reaffirm our commitment to helping create communities where everyone feels safe, valued, and free to proudly be their authentic selves. As we celebrate Pride Month, we also recognize the often-overlooked contributions of LGBTQ+ leaders who have shaped movements for justice, civil rights, culture, and liberation like Bayard Rustin, Marsha P. Johnson, Jose Julio Sarria, Patrisse Cullors, Bamby Salcedo, and Phill Wilson.
The Fight Continues
LGBTQ+ organizers, artists, activists, and visionaries have helped move our country forward while challenging systems that seek to erase them. Their stories remind us that our movements are strongest when they are inclusive and rooted in the experiences of those most impacted. While important victories have been won, LGBTQ+ communities continue to face attacks across the country. From attempts to restrict access to healthcare to efforts that target transgender women, LGBTQ+ youth and discussions regarding identity in schools, many policies threaten the rights, safety, and well-being of LGBTQ+ people.
Building a Future Where Everyone Belongs
These attacks do not happen in isolation. They are a direct result of broader efforts to divide our communities, silence voices, and roll back hard-fought gains for Black, Brown, immigrant, working-class, and marginalized people. That is why solidarity matters. Here in Los Angeles, organizations like the TransLatin@ Coalition, Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project and Los Angeles LGBT Center continue to advocate for the rights, dignity, and well-being of LGBTQ+ communities. Through organizing, policy advocacy, direct services, and leadership development, they are helping build a future where every person—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or immigration status—can just be and belong.
Call To Action
Learn
Explore the stories of Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ trailblazers whose leadership, courage, and vision have helped shape this country.
Support
Find LGBTQ+ organizations advancing equity, justice, and opportunities here in Los Angeles, then volunteer or donate.
Stay Informed
Follow efforts and track LGBTQ+ equality legislation—HERE