Pride: a guide to LGBTQ+ Pride, flags and Pride Month
Pride celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual people, our history, and the right to live openly. Here's what the words mean, what each pride flag stands for, when Pride Month 2027 happens, and where to find your community.
What does LGBTQ+ stand for?
LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term for people who aren't straight or cisgender. The longer LGBTQIA+ spells out more of the community. Every letter is an identity people choose for themselves.
- Lesbian:
- LesbianA woman or non-binary person attracted to women.
- Gay:
- GaySomeone attracted to people of the same gender; often used for men, and as an umbrella term.
- Bisexual:
- BisexualSomeone attracted to more than one gender.
- Transgender:
- TransgenderSomeone whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
- Queer / Questioning:
- Queer / QuestioningQueer is a reclaimed umbrella term for non-straight or non-cisgender people; questioning means still exploring.
- Intersex:
- IntersexSomeone born with sex characteristics that don't fit typical definitions of male or female.
- Asexual / Aromantic / Agender:
- Asexual / Aromantic / AgenderPeople who experience little or no sexual or romantic attraction, or who don't have a gender.
- Plus:
- PlusEveryone else: pansexual, non-binary, two-spirit, demisexual and many more identities.
Pride flags and their meanings
See all 13 pride flagsWhen is Pride Month 2027?
Pride Month runs from June 1 to June 30, 2027. It's held in June to honour the Stonewall uprising of June 28, 1969, and the first Pride marches a year later.
Pride Month history, dates & ideasPride FAQ
What does LGBTQ+ stand for?
LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning. The plus includes other identities such as intersex, asexual, pansexual and non-binary people. You'll also see longer versions like LGBTQIA+.
What is Pride?
Pride is the celebration of LGBTQ+ people, history and rights. It began with the first marches in June 1970, marking one year since the Stonewall uprising in New York, and today includes Pride Month, parades, festivals and community events worldwide.
When is Pride Month?
Pride Month is celebrated every June in the United States and many other countries. Some cities hold their main Pride events at other times of year, such as London in July or Sydney's Mardi Gras in February and March.
How can I find pride events and LGBTQ+ community near me?
On HelloLGBTQ+ you can browse LGBTQ+ meetups, socials and online events, join interest and city groups, and meet queer friends, all with a nickname and with your profile hidden from search engines.