LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) history is celebrated throughout the month of October. It’s a time for fostering community and acknowledging the struggle behind its growth. To commemorate the occasion, here is a breakdown of the fascinating history behind the LGBT movement as well as ways to celebrate in Honolulu.

History

The LGBT movement began in 1969 in Greenwich Village, New York City. The Stonewall Inn, a popular LGBT club, was raided on June 28, 1969. Police arrested employees for selling alcohol without a license and attacked patrons. They went on to arrest anyone present who wasn’t wearing three articles of clothing that were considered “gender-appropriate.”

Onlookers began rioting while police took refuge in the bar. Riots continued for five days, and the bar was eventually set on fire.

Raids on LGBT hangouts were common in the 1960s, and The Stonewall Inn event marked the first large-scale response. In the following weeks, LGBT activist groups formed around the city to spread the word of equality and establish areas where LGBT individuals could feel safe.

Since then, The Stonewall Inn has been registered on the Register of Historic Places, and former U.S. President Barack Obama designated it a national monument in 2016.

The Significance of Parades

The first LGBT pride parade took place in 1970, though it is preferably called a march. It was called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March and commemorated the Stonewall Inn riot. The first true parade featuring floats, music, and celebration took place in Los Angeles.

Pride parades were common in most major U.S. cities by the 1980s. They spotlighted the struggle for LGBT rights and celebrated its culture.

LGBT in Hawaii

Honolulu hosts a number of major LGBT events in October. The Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival takes place on October 19 this year and will showcase musical guests and performers. It begins at Magic Island and continues to the Waikiki Shell, where performances will take place.

Bars and venues throughout the city will also be holding events until the end of the month. Take part in the Aloha Rainbow Classic LGBTQ Softball Tournament on the 26th and 27th, for example, or attend the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival Drag Appetit.

If you’re looking for a place to celebrate LGBT History Month in Honolulu, stop by Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand. A fixture in Waikiki for more than 42 years, this popular gay bar is hosting a Pride After Party on the 19th and a Pride Recovery Cherch and catamaran sail on the 20th. Find out more about upcoming events on their website or by calling (808) 923-0669.