Pride Month is a time of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to honoring the LGBTQ+ community and continuing the fight for equality. At Space & Time we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
The history of the gay rights movement is filled with remarkable individuals and moments. In the early 1900s, pioneers in North America and Europe, like Henry Gerber who established the Society for Human Rights in Chicago in the 1920s, began laying the groundwork for what would become a global movement.
After World War II, groups like the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis emerged, sharing positive stories and vocally demanding recognition and protesting discrimination. Yet, despite some progress, basic civil rights remained largely denied to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals.
Everything changed in June 1969, when the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, was raided. The aggressive actions of the NYPD and the subsequent riots became the galvanising force for LGBTQ+ political activism. The Stonewall Riots transformed the gay rights movement from a fringe issue to front-page news worldwide, giving rise to radical groups such as the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA).
The first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots saw thousands march from the Stonewall Inn to Central Park in what became known as ‘Christopher Street Liberation Day’—America’s first gay pride parade. The UK followed suit with its first Pride festival in 1972, which saw around 2000 participants.
The founding of Stonewall UK in 1989 marked a significant step in actively fighting inequality and homophobia. By 2013, gay marriage had become legal in England and Wales, followed by Scotland.
As we celebrate Pride Month, it’s important to remember that fostering an inclusive environment is not just a seasonal endeavour—it’s a year-round commitment. At Space & Time we are dedicated to weaving the vibrant threads of Pride into the fabric of our workplace. We actively support our LGBTQ+ employees through various initiatives, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) workshops that promote understanding, acceptance, and allyship.
Our DE&I workshops are designed to create a safe space for all employees to learn and grow. These workshops are part of our broader effort to ensure that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels supported and valued. You can read about some of our previous workshops here:
By embracing diversity and promoting acceptance, we advocate for a world where everyone can thrive. This Pride Month, and every month, let’s continue to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community both inside and outside the workplace.
Happy Pride from all of us at Space & Time.