Bending the Arc

In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized marriage equality nationwide with the landmark decision on Obergefell v. Hodges. The Court ruled that the 14th Amendment guarantees same-sex couples the right to marry and have their marriages recognized in all states.

The following year, President Barack Obama, declared June as LGBT Pride Month in this official proclamation.

On June 2, 2025, the Trump Administration declared that June will now be recognized as Title IX Month, not Pride Month, an unrelated observation.

Title IX has been protecting women in sports since 1972. The official language reads: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."

A Title IX explainer from Harvard University notes that "Title IX regulations guide how colleges and universities, including Harvard, must respond to sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct through appropriate grievance procedures, supportive measures, and related policies."

As DEI has been under attack in the last several months, big brands are pulling back on Pride merchandise. However, cities across the country continue to celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Pride is more than a month, it’s a way of life. It is estimated that 10% of American adults identify as LGBTQ+.

The image below shows where cities across Wisconsin are holding their Pride festivals. A Google search will help you find events near you. Here in Fond du Lac,  Pride Picnic will be Sunday, June 22 from 1-7 pm at Lakeside Park. 

Read more about The History of Pride.