For over 50 years, June has signified Pride Month in the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride Month has a rich history rooted in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement, primarily commemorating the Stonewall Riots of June 1969 in New York City. The following year, the first Pride March was organized in Manhattan, marking the birth of the modern Pride movement.
In cities and towns across America, and in most corners of the world, Pride Month is marked by celebrations, including marches, parades, festivals, and special events, as well as the flying of brightly colored rainbow flags.
In recent years, businesses have become increasingly involved in Pride Month. Companies from various industries — retail, technology, e-commerce, and entertainment — have embraced the celebrations and actively supported the LGBTQIA+ community. Many organizations now incorporate Pride-themed merchandise, advertising campaigns, and corporate partnerships during the month of June.
Partnering with Point Foundation
For the second year in a row, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is teaming up with Point Foundation to support and empower LGBTQIA+ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential.
In support of Pride Month and beyond, the company is granting $25,000 in scholarships and funding to Point Scholars. The collaboration aims to help LGBTQIA+ students achieve their full potential.
Helping LGBTQIA+ students for over 20 years
For over 20 years, Point Foundation has been the largest scholarship-granting nonprofit for LGBTQIA+ students studying in the United States. Its scholarships support LGBTQIA+ students as they pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees at accredited universities and community colleges in the United States.
More than half are first-generation college students, and a significant percentage identify as transgender or nonbinary, and more than 80% are BIPOC. Alumni of the foundation have gone on to excel in every profession, including law, education, art, politics, business, and healthcare, making a tangible difference in their respective communities.
Celebrating Pride
Gift-givers can show their Pride by sending a thoughtful expression to loved ones from an exclusive collection of rainbow-themed gifts from 1-800-Flowers.com, Harry & David, Cheryl's Cookies, and more.
Happy Pride Month to the LGBTQIA+ community, its families, allies, partners, and friends!
AUTHOR
John Casey is the lead columnist and editor-at-large for The Advocate, the world's oldest and largest LGBTQ news site. In addition, he is the director of PR consulting firm JCCommunications and an adjunct professor at Wagner College in New York City. His writing has appeared in numerous media outlets, including the New York Post, New York Daily News, Pittsburgh Magazine, IndieWire, Smashing Magazine, and The Ladders.
