From Riots to Rainbows: Pride's Journey and Community Support

Pride Month traces back to the 1969 Stonewall riots, a turning point for gay liberation that began with a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. Initially intended as a routine operation, the raid sparked unprecedented resistance from LGBTQ+ patrons. This resistance quickly escalated into riots, fueled by years of oppression and discrimination, marking a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Following the riots, the first pride marches were organized across the US, including the iconic "Christopher Street Liberation Day" march in NYC. These marches initially served as protests but evolved to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities, although early events often excluded transgender women and people of color, despite their integral role in the Stonewall uprising.

As we reflect on the origins of Pride Month and its evolution over the years, it's crucial to spotlight organizations like Brave Space Alliance, a Black-led, Trans-led LGBTQ+ center on the South Side of Chicago, that embody the spirit of inclusivity and empowerment within the community.

Join us in raising a glass to diversity with Fora’s cocktail of the month, “Born this Way”. A playful twist on the classic birthday cake martini - this concoction blends vodka, white chocolate, amaretto, and a sprinkle of rainbow magic. Available throughout the month of June for just $15, every purchase includes a $3 donation to Brave Space Alliance.

Your chance to contribute to the community doesn’t end with a cocktail. Join us in exploring a few other Chicago-based LGBTQ+ organizations deserving of recognition, and the different ways you can help support them:

• Chicago House: Chicago House believes that housing is crucial to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. They aim to play a vital role in eliminating new infections, with a goal of reducing them to zero by 2030. Annually, they serve more than 2,400 individuals and families across four program pillars: housing, health, employment services, and the TransLife Care program. Click here to donate or here to explore volunteer options.
  
  
• Howard Brown Health: Rooted in LGBTQ+ liberation, Howard Brown Health provides affirming healthcare and mobilizes for social justice. They are agents of change for individual wellbeing and community empowerment. Click here to donate or here to explore volunteer options.
  
  
• Lighthouse Foundation: Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland is a Black LGBTQ+ led, multiracial social justice organization that advances justice for Black LGBTQ+ people across Chicagoland through empowerment, education, and entertainment. Click here to donate or here to explore volunteer options.