CINCINNATI PRIDE INC

Description

In the spring of 1973, a courageous group of GLBT men and women gathered on Fountain Square to march for gay rights awareness. This was during the early days of the modern gay rights movement, sparked by the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City. At the time, Cincinnati was known for its conservative values, making this gathering of around 40 individuals in the heart of downtown a powerful act of bravery. From that moment, Cincinnati Pride was born. We gather each year to honor the first public pride celebration in Greater Cincinnati, held April 6-8, 1973. Since that first march, Cincinnati Pride has grown into a week-long celebration of LGBTQIA+ diversity. Over the years, Pride has taken many forms, shaped by passionate individuals and organizations committed to visibility, equality, and community. Our journey has mirrored national struggles-from fighting for HIV/AIDS awareness and marriage equality to the repeal of "don’t ask, don’t tell." By the late 1980s, Cincinnati’s Pride movement had grown in size and impact, with longer parades and larger festival crowds. As awareness and acceptance expanded into the 1990s and beyond, more people began to stand up and come out. Today, we continue to evolve as a welcoming, inclusive organization-open to all who identify with or support the LGBTQIA+ community.