celebrating Pride Month

“To me, Pride Month means progress, hope, recognition, and community. We recognize the work we’ve done, the work currently being done, the work that was done by our predecessors, and we look forward to continuing to create, collaborate, and embrace who we are.” – Savannah Kroeger ’23

The celebration of Pride Month in June observes community visibility and the movement toward equality.

The first Pride march in New York City was held on June 28, 1970, on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, which was a critical moment for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.

In the early hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York’s Greenwich Village. At that time, acting or dressing in a way that was considered gender-inappropriate or showing affection to someone of the same sex could get people arrested. Many clubs like Stonewall Inn operated illegally.

A police raid in the early hours of June 28, 1969, spurred neighborhood riots that continued for three days and led to new, more extensive LGBTQ+ activist groups than the U.S. had seen before.

Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé DeLarverie — transgender and lesbian women of color — were prominent figures in that uprising, which fundamentally changed the nature of LGBTQ+ activism in the United States.

The uprising became a catalyst for LGBTQ+ organizations such as the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance, modeled after the civil rights movement and the women’s rights movement.

Carthage College is a proud ally and advocate of the LGBTQ+ community and its fight for equal protection under the law, access to healthcare, and acceptance as vital members of their communities.

Students, staff, faculty, and community members participated in a campus Pride Parade in summer 2...
Kissing Rock with the Pride Flag painted on it.

2022 Community Pride Events

See the 2022 Global Gay Pride Calendar

June 2-4

Milwaukee PrideFest
Henry Maier Festival Park
Milwaukee’s PrideFest is back! The iconic LGBTQ+ event will return this year, running June 2-4 at Henry Maier Festival Park. Learn more

June 5

Milwaukee Pride Parade 
2 p.m., 2nd St. and Greenfield Ave. to 2nd St. and E. Oregon St. 
The Milwaukee Pride Parade returns this year with the theme, “Pride is…” Every attended and participant is invited to fill in the blank with what pride means to them. Learn more

June 18-19

Chicago Pride Fest 
Northalsted on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace St. 
The annual Chicago Pride Fest® is a legendary street festival, held the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (last Sunday in June). With upwards of 60,000 expected to attend, join us in celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture, and community. The festival features live music by headline artists and local favorites, three stages, food and drink, 150+ arts/crafts vendors, DJs and dancing, drag shows, a pet parade, sponsored presence, games, giveaways, and more! Learn more

June 23

Kenosha Pride Kingfish Game
6:35 p.m., Historic Simmons Field, 7817 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha, Wis.
A portion of the Kenosha Kingfish ticket proceeds goes to supporting Kenosha Pride! Tickets cost $25. Learn more and register

June 26

Chicago Pride Parade 
Noon, Through Northalsted, Uptown, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park in Chicago
The Parade concludes the city’s month-long celebrations with a famous four-mile procession held on the last Sunday of June. Traversing through Northalsted, Uptown, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park, the annual event has grown into one of the largest parades in the country. Read more

July 10

Kenosha Pride 2022
Noon, Veterans Memorial Park, 5220 6th Ave, Kenosha, Wis.
More details will be available soon on the KenoshaPride.org website

Carthage community members with LGBTQ+ pride flags.


Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Resources

We live and work in a richly diverse world. At Carthage, we strive to enhance the diversity and equity of our community and together to create an ever more enlightened and inclusive environment that will positively impact the world. The Carthage academic community is committed to fostering integrity, civility, and justice. Aiming to learn from each other, we reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination toward underrepresented groups.

Learn more about Equity and Inclusion at Carthage

On-Campus Resources

Off-campus resources and events


Learn more

The History of Pride Month

Articles & Web resources

Get Involved

LGTBQ+ Movies

Podcasts & Videos