June is widely recognized as Pride Month, a time when the LGBTQ community and allies come together to celebrate diversity, equality, and inclusivity. However, LGBTQ culture and history should be celebrated and acknowledged all year long, not just in June. There are numerous LGBTQ holidays and observances that take place throughout the year, each with their own significance and history.
Take a closer look at some of the most meaningful LGBTQ holidays to celebrate. Let’s delve into the ways we can commemorate and recognize the LGBTQ community throughout the year, not just limited to the month of June.
February
National Freedom to Marry Day
February 12
National Freedom to Marry Day is a holiday in the United States celebrated on February 12 to promote same-sex marriage. It was founded in 1998 by Lambda Legal, a gay rights advocacy law firm. Many LGBTQ+ people choose to get married on this day to commemorate their love, just two days before Valentine’s Day.
Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week
Week after Valentine’s Day
Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week (ASAW) is a yearly international event that takes place in the third week of February. Its main goal is to raise awareness about aromanticism and promote acceptance and inclusivity of individuals on the aromantic spectrum. The week includes a series of events, workshops, and campaigns to highlight the challenges faced by the aromantic community and provide education and resources to individuals and allies.
World Day Of Social Justice
February 20
The World Day of Social Justice is celebrated annually on February 20th to raise awareness of the importance of social justice in promoting equitable and fair relationships between individuals and society. The day focuses on critical issues such as poverty, exclusion, discrimination, and human rights violations. It also encourages individuals and organizations to take action towards promoting social justice and building a more inclusive society.
March
International Transgender Day Of Visibility
March 31
International Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated annually on March 31st to celebrate transgender individuals and raise awareness about the challenges they face. The day aims to promote education and understanding of transgender issues and advocate for the rights of the transgender community. It also highlights the courage and resilience of transgender individuals who are visible and proud of their identities.
April
International Asexuality Day
April 6
International Asexuality Day (IAD) is a global event held annually on April 6th to promote awareness and acceptance of asexuality and the various identities within the ace umbrella. The day focuses on four themes – Advocacy, Celebration, Education, and Solidarity – which aim to recognize and support the work of the international ace community and organizations, especially in non-Western and non-English speaking countries. IAD aims to raise awareness and foster a greater understanding of asexuality as a valid and important part of human sexuality.
Day Of Silence
The second Friday of April
The Day of Silence is an annual event organized by GLSEN in which students take a vow of silence to raise awareness about the impact of bullying and harassment on LGBTQ+ students. The event typically takes place on a Friday in April and participants wear stickers or other accessories to indicate their participation. The Day of Silence is intended to promote inclusivity and respect for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Lesbian Visibility Day
April 26
Lesbian Visibility Day is celebrated annually in the United States on April 26th. The day aims to raise awareness of and celebrate the experiences and contributions of lesbian individuals to society. It also serves as an opportunity to address issues of discrimination and inequality faced by the lesbian community.
May
International Family Equality Day
First Sunday of May
International Family Equality Day is celebrated annually on the first Sunday of May. The day is a global celebration of LGBTQ+ families, as well as the ongoing work towards achieving legal and social recognition for diverse family structures. Activities on this day include parades, picnics, and educational events to raise awareness about the importance of equal rights for all families.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
May 17
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is celebrated annually on May 17th to raise awareness about the discrimination and violence experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide. The day aims to promote greater acceptance, tolerance, and understanding of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. It also encourages individuals and organizations to take action towards ending homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia in all its forms.
Agender Pride Day
May 19
Agender Pride Day is observed annually on May 8th to celebrate and raise awareness of individuals who identify as agender, meaning they do not identify with any gender. The day aims to promote greater visibility and acceptance of the agender community and to challenge societal norms around gender. Activities on Agender Pride Day include education, discussion, and advocacy about agender identities and issues faced by the community.
Harvey Milk Day
May 22
Harvey Milk Day is observed annually on May 22nd to honor the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, a prominent LGBTQ+ civil rights activist and politician. The day celebrates Milk’s contributions to the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, particularly his efforts towards promoting visibility and representation for the community. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of continuing the work started by Milk and other activists.
Pansexual And Panromantic Visibility Day
May 24
Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day is an annual event celebrated on May 24 to raise awareness and promote visibility of people who identify as pansexual or panromantic. The day aims to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding pansexuality and panromanticism. It also provides an opportunity for the pansexual and panromantic community to come together and celebrate their identities.
June
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
June
LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the LGBTQ+ community and their ongoing struggle for equality and visibility. The month-long celebration includes parades, marches, rallies, and other events that promote awareness and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. It also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards achieving LGBTQ+ rights and to call for continued action towards a more inclusive and just society.
Pulse Remembrance Day / Pulse Night of Remembrance
June 12
Pulse Remembrance Day, also known as Pulse Night of Remembrance, is an annual event held on June 12th to honor the 49 people who were killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, in 2016. The event typically includes vigils, memorials, and moments of silence to remember the victims and to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. The goal of the event is to promote healing and to raise awareness about the ongoing impact of hate and discrimination on marginalized communities.
Global Pride Day
Last Saturday in June
Global Pride Day is an annual event that takes place on the last Saturday in June to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride around the world. The day is marked by virtual and physical events that bring together LGBTQ+ communities and allies from different countries and cultures. The goal of Global Pride Day is to promote international solidarity and to highlight the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.
National HIV Testing Day
June 27
National HIV Testing Day is an annual event held on June 27th to encourage people to get tested for HIV and to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment. The event was established by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) in 1995 and is now recognized by health organizations and advocacy groups around the world. The goal of National HIV Testing Day is to promote HIV testing as a routine part of healthcare and to reduce the stigma and discrimination that still surrounds HIV/AIDS.
Stonewall Riots Anniversary
June 28
The Stonewall Riots Anniversary commemorates the historic event that took place in June 1969, when LGBTQ+ individuals fought back against a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City. The riots are widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and sparked a wave of activism and advocacy that continues to this day. The anniversary is typically marked by parades, protests, and other events that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and highlight the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance.
July
Non-binary Awareness Week
Second Week of July
Non-binary Awareness Week is an annual event that takes place during the second week of July to raise awareness about non-binary gender identities and the unique experiences and challenges faced by non-binary individuals. The event was first observed in 2016 and has since grown in popularity and visibility. The goal of Non-binary Awareness Week is to promote inclusivity and acceptance of non-binary people and to educate the public about the diversity of gender identities beyond the traditional binary of male and female.
International Non-Binary People’s Day
July 14
International Non-Binary People’s Day is an annual event celebrated on July 14th to raise awareness about non-binary gender identities and to advocate for the rights and visibility of non-binary people around the world. The event was first observed in 2012 and has since grown in popularity and recognition. The goal of International Non-Binary People’s Day is to promote inclusivity and acceptance of non-binary individuals and to highlight the unique challenges and experiences faced by this marginalized community.
International Drag Day
July 16
International Drag Day is an annual event celebrated on July 16th to honor the art and culture of drag performance and to recognize the contributions of drag artists to LGBTQ+ communities around the world. The event was first observed in 2009 and has since grown in popularity and recognition. The goal of International Drag Day is to promote diversity, inclusivity, and self-expression through drag performance, and to highlight the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.
September
Bisexual Awareness Week / BiWeek
Third Week of September
Bisexual Awareness Week is an annual event that takes place during the third week of September to raise awareness about bisexual identities and the unique experiences and challenges faced by bisexual individuals. The event was first observed in 1999 and has since grown in popularity and visibility. The goal of Bisexual Awareness Week is to promote inclusivity and acceptance of bisexual people and to educate the public about the diversity of sexual orientations beyond the traditional binary of heterosexual and homosexual.
Bi Visibility Day
September 23
Bi Visibility Day, also known as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day, is an annual celebration held on September 23rd to raise awareness of the bisexual community and its challenges. This day is an opportunity to celebrate bisexual identities and the contributions of the bisexual community to society. The day aims to increase visibility, understanding, and acceptance of bisexual people and their experiences.
October
LGBT History Month
October
LGBT History Month is an annual event celebrated during the month of October to honor the history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. The event was first observed in the United States in 1994 and has since expanded to other countries around the world. The goal of LGBT History Month is to promote awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions to society and to highlight ongoing issues related to LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
International Lesbian Day
October 8
International Lesbian Day is an annual event celebrated on October 8th to recognize and honor the contributions of lesbian women to society and to promote visibility and acceptance of the lesbian community. The event was first observed in 2008 and has since grown in popularity and recognition. The goal of International Lesbian Day is to raise awareness about the unique experiences and challenges faced by lesbian women and to celebrate their diversity and resilience.
National Coming Out Day
October 11
National Coming Out Day is an annual LGBTQ+ awareness day celebrated on October 11th in the United States and on October 12th in some other countries. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges that LGBTQ+ people face when coming out and to celebrate those who have taken the courageous step of coming out. National Coming Out Day is also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
International Pronoun Day
Third Wednesday in October
International Pronoun Day is an annual event celebrated on the third Wednesday of October to promote the use of gender-inclusive pronouns and to raise awareness about the importance of respecting people’s gender identities. The event was first observed in 2018 and has since grown in popularity and recognition. The goal of International Pronoun Day is to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for transgender and non-binary individuals, as well as to educate the public about the diversity of gender identities beyond the traditional binary of male and female.
Spirit Day
Third Thursday of October
Spirit Day is an annual event held on the third Thursday of October to raise awareness about the harmful effects of bullying on LGBTQ+ youth and to promote acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. The event was first observed in 2010 and is now recognized by schools, organizations, and individuals around the world. The goal of Spirit Day is to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ youth and to send a message of solidarity and love to those who may be struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity.
National LGBT Center Awareness Day
October 19
National LGBT Center Awareness Day is an annual event celebrated on October 19th to raise awareness about the important role that LGBTQ+ community centers play in providing support, resources, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. The event was first observed in 2017 and is now recognized by LGBTQ+ organizations and allies around the world. The goal of National LGBT Center Awareness Day is to promote visibility and support for LGBTQ+ centers and to highlight the ongoing need for safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ people.
Ace Week
Last Full Week of October
Ace Week, also known as Asexual Awareness Week, is an annual event that takes place during the last full week of October to raise awareness about asexuality and to promote acceptance and visibility of the asexual community. The event was first observed in 2010 and has since grown in popularity and recognition. The goal of Ace Week is to educate the public about the diversity of sexual orientations and to provide support and resources for asexual individuals who may feel marginalized or misunderstood.
Intersex Awareness Day
October 26
Intersex Awareness Day is an annual event that takes place on October 26th to raise awareness of intersex people and their rights. This day aims to promote visibility, respect, and dignity for intersex individuals and to challenge the stigma and discrimination they face. The day is an opportunity to educate the public about the diversity of human bodies and to advocate for the human rights of intersex people.
November
Trans Awareness Month
November
Trans Awareness Month is an annual event observed during the month of November to raise awareness about the challenges faced by transgender and gender non-conforming individuals and to promote visibility and acceptance of the transgender community. The event was first observed in 1998 and has since grown in popularity and recognition. The goal of Trans Awareness Month is to highlight the ongoing struggle for transgender rights and equality and to provide support and resources for transgender individuals and their allies.
Intersex Day Of Solidarity
November 8
Intersex Day of Solidarity is an annual event observed on November 8th to promote solidarity and support for intersex individuals and to raise awareness about the issues they face. The event was first observed in 2004 and has since grown in recognition and participation. The goal of Intersex Day of Solidarity is to build connections and alliances within the intersex community and with other marginalized groups, and to push for greater recognition and protection of intersex human rights.
Transgender Awareness Week
Second Week of November
Transgender Awareness Week is an annual event observed during the second week of November to raise awareness about the issues faced by transgender and gender non-conforming individuals and to promote visibility and acceptance of the transgender community. The event was first observed in 1999 and has since grown in recognition and participation. The goal of Transgender Awareness Week is to provide education, advocacy, and support for transgender individuals and their allies, and to push for greater recognition and protection of transgender human rights.
Transgender Day Of Remembrance
November 20
Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance on November 20th that honors the memory of those who have lost their lives as a result of anti-transgender violence. The day is a reminder of the ongoing discrimination, hatred, and violence faced by transgender individuals around the world. It is also a call to action for greater awareness, acceptance, and protection of the transgender community.
Polyamory Day
November 23
Polyamory Day is an annual event observed on November 23rd to celebrate and promote the practice of consensual non-monogamy and ethical polyamorous relationships. The event was first observed in 2005 and has since grown in recognition and participation. The goal of Polyamory Day is to raise awareness about polyamory, challenge societal norms and stereotypes surrounding monogamy, and provide support and resources for those who practice or are interested in polyamory.
December
World AIDS Day
December 1
World AIDS Day is an annual event observed on December 1st to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to show support for those living with HIV/AIDS. The event was first observed in 1988 and has since grown into a global movement that has contributed to significant progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care. The goal of World AIDS Day is to promote education, advocacy, and solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to work towards the goal of ending the epidemic.
Pansexual Pride Day
December 8
Pansexual Pride Day is an annual event on December 8th that celebrates and raises awareness of pansexuality and panromanticism, while also highlighting the life experiences of pansexual and panromantic people. It is a time for the community to come together, share stories and experiences, and speak out about the issues they face. The day provides an opportunity for the pansexual and panromantic community to advocate for their rights, visibility, and acceptance.
Human Rights Day
December 10
Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10th to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The day is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights for all individuals around the world, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or other identity factors. Human Rights Day provides an opportunity for people to reflect on the progress made in protecting human rights and to advocate for continued efforts to address human rights violations.
International Day To End Violence Against Sex Workers
Dec 17
The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is observed annually on December 17th to raise awareness about the violence and stigma that sex workers face. The day is an opportunity to honor the lives of sex workers who have been killed and to advocate for the protection of their human rights. It is a time for the community to come together to challenge the discrimination, violence, and injustice that sex workers experience and to work towards creating a world where sex workers are respected, valued, and safe.
Celebrating LGBTQ+ Holidays
By recognizing and celebrating these LGBTQ+ yearly holidays, we can honor the diverse experiences and struggles of LGBTQ individuals around the world. We can also continue to work towards a more just and equitable society for all.
Check out more events happening around your area in our Event Calendar.
**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).
Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.
