By Vicki Baker
In June 1999, President Bill Clinton declared every June as Pride Month. In 2011, President Barack Obama expanded the officially recognized month-long celebration. After taking office in 2021, President Joe Biden reaffirmed the occasion. And in May 2023, the President and First Lady hosted a picnic and concert at the White House to commemorate Pride Month.
Denton is well known for celebrating year-round, but throughout June 2023, the city offered a month filled with a variety of activities and events to show support, observe, listen, and be educated. Members of Voices United attended Pride Night Out on the Square, a fun downtown gathering with food, speakers, and contests. The evening long event showcased businesses and organizations which support PriDenton. Instead of watching floats pass by, local businesses, organizations, and vendors were the floats with their decorated tents set up on and around the courthouse lawn.
As a proud ally, Voices United, supports the generations of people who have fought to live openly and authentically. Pride Month is a reminder that there is still work to do to ensure that everyone enjoys the full promise of equity, dignity, protection, and freedom. As President Biden proclaimed, “let us celebrate the pride that powers the movement and commit to doing our part to help realize the promise of America for all Americans.” We must all work towards a future without discrimination and inspire, educate, commemorate, and celebrate our diverse communities.