NLIHC celebrates Pride Month this June—a time to honor the identities, experiences, and histories of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other gender and sexual minority) community. June marks the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprisings, a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights that began on June 28 and lasted for several days.
Before legal protections existed, gay establishments were frequently targeted by police raids and violence. On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular bar in New York City, brutalizing patrons and sparking resistance. Those most often targeted included gender-nonconforming people, drag queens, trans women, and homeless LGBTQ+ youth—many of whom were leaders in the uprising, including Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Zazu Nova.
Many young people at Stonewall had been displaced or rejected by their families due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. With few affirming services or safe spaces available, establishments like Stonewall served as vital community hubs and refuge.
That night, patrons fought back—not just against the raid, but against ongoing oppression and violence. While widely recognized, Stonewall was not the first such act of resistance. Earlier incidents include the 1955 Pepper Hill Club raid in Baltimore, which resulted in over 160 arrests, and the 1956 raid on Hazel’s Inn in California, where more than 90 people were arrested.
The legacy of resistance, organizing, and community-building evident at Stonewall helped catalyze the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Today, Pride is celebrated each June with parades, gatherings, and events across the country.
However, significant challenges remain. In 2026, more than 530 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the United States, targeting access to healthcare, education, civil rights protections, housing, and more.
Despite hard-won progress, LGBTQ+ rights continue to face serious threats. One recent example is the attempt to repeal HUD’s Equal Access Rule, which protects against housing discrimination and has been especially critical for transgender individuals seeking safe shelter. Learn more about the Equal Access Rule and its importance for LGBTQ+ housing protections here.
As an organization dedicated to racially and socially just housing policy, NLIHC recognizes the vital role the LGBTQ+ community plays in advancing housing justice. Acknowledging and celebrating the importance of this community and their lived experiences can help improve access and support equitable outcomes that strengthen our efforts to ensure people with the lowest incomes can access safe, affordable homes in communities of their choice.