As June 28 approaches, the LGBTQ community around the world prepares to commemorate the Stonewall riots that happened on that date in 1969. But as significant as the date is, it's undeniable that social distancing measures have altered the way Pride is being celebrated for the first time in over 50 years. For that reason, it's perhaps more important than ever to use virtual resources to learn about the original meaning of Pride, its founders and its development into the modern-day festivals held across the globe. Now housed in the Library of Congress' film collection, the 12-minute documentary "Gay and Proud" is a good start.
The film contains footage of one of the earliest Gay Pride demonstration marches, the first Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade, which was held in New York City a year after the Stonewall riots on June 28, 1970. The documentary was edited and filmed by early LGBTQ rights activists Clifton R. Witt and Lilli M. Vincenz.
Watch the original film here:
