Pride Month
Pride month is about acceptance, equality, and celebrating the work of LGBTQIA+ people, education in LGBTQIA+ history, and raising awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
The celebration of Pride can mean different things to different people. Pride is celebrated in many ways, from large parades with floats and music to peaceful protests featuring speakers who may want to draw attention and increase awareness of the violence and inequality that LGBTQIA+ people face. Pride is unique to each individual, so all forms of celebration are valid.
The origins of Pride started as a response to a police raid on a pub that was popular with members of the LGBTIA+ community in New York in June 1969. These were known as the “Stonewall Riots,” now known as the “Stonewall Rebellion”. Many raids like this occurred before, but the patrons fought back this time. The raid sparked an uprising among bar patrons and neighborhood residents as police roughly threw employees and patrons out of the bar, leading to six days of protests and violent clashes with law enforcement outside the bar on Christopher Street. The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and worldwide.
During Pride Month, the Pride Alliance of Livingston, a community action committee of the Livingston Diversity Council, hosts three annual events: the Rainbow Reception in Brighton, our Pride Parade in Howell and a Pride Trivia Night in partnership with Kenny Privett Productions and Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill in Howell.
Today’s Progress Pride Flag
The Progress Pride Flag was designed in 2018 by Daniel Quasar, a non-binary artist and graphic designer from Oregon. Quasar’s design builds on the traditional rainbow Pride Flag by incorporating the colors of the Transgender Flag, along with black and brown stripes. These additions represent Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, as well as individuals living with or lost to HIV/AIDS. The flag was created to emphasize the importance of inclusion and forward movement.
This version was introduced in 2021 by Valentino Vecchietti integrating the intersex circle into the Progress Pride chevron. The redesign was created to make intersex inclusion explicit, especially in conversations about bodily autonomy and non-consensual medical interventions.
Traditional Rainbow flag - Colors
Red - Life
Orange - Healing
Yellow - New ideas and thoughts
Green - Prosperity and growth
Indigo - Serenity
Violet - Spirit
Our 2026 theme is “Pride in Every Story”
Pride is a celebration of the many voices, identities, and lived experiences that make up our community. This theme reflects our belief that every person’s journey: whether quiet or bold, joyful or challenging, it deserves to be acknowledged and respected. Pride Month offers an opportunity not only to celebrate, but also to listen, learn, and connect more deeply with one another. Through this series of events, we aim to create welcoming spaces where individuals feel safe to show up as their authentic selves.
“Pride in Every Story” invites us to honor the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community, including the intersections of race, culture, faith, gender identity, and ability. It encourages us to move beyond assumptions and engage with curiosity and empathy. By sharing stories and uplifting voices that are often unheard, we strengthen understanding and foster a greater sense of belonging. This theme also recognizes the history and resilience that have paved the way for today’s celebrations.
As you participate, we invite you to reflect on your own story and consider how it connects with others. Whether you are here to learn, celebrate, or support, your presence matters. Together, we create a space where stories are not only told, but valued and honored. In doing so, we build a community rooted in pride, connection, and shared humanity.
Our 2026 Events
Rainbow Reception - Sunday, June 7th 12:00-3:00 PM
Join us as we kick off Pride Month with the 6th Annual Rainbow Reception at The Amp in downtown Brighton at the Millpond! This event is always free and All Are Welcome for an afternoon of celebration and support!
Enjoy musical entertainment, information, crafts, games, advocacy and support for our LGBTQIA+ friends and neighbors!
Pride Scavenger Hunt - Tuesday, June 9th - Saturday June 13th
Participate as a team or “go solo” as you visit participating retail locations in downtown Howell following the map and documenting your journey with photos! Check back here for further details!
Pride Parade - Saturday, June 13th 12:00-4:00 PM
Join us for the 6th Annual Pride Parade in downtown Howell at the Historic County Courthouse lawn and amphitheater!
We are excited to expand our event this year to include more vendors offering information, services and cool stuff for sale. As always, the event will feature inspirational stories, music and fun games for all, as well as the favored parade through downtown Howell on our city sidewalks - we can’t wait!
Pride Trivia - Wednesday, June 24th 7:00-9:00 PM
Hosted at Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill in Howell, MI - Pride Trivia is always an evening of competition, comradery and a whole bunch of fun. This event is graciously sponsored by Maureen Elliott of Edward Jones!
Gather a team of four and play for some awesome prizes! The three rounds of trivia will be hosted by Kenny Privett Productions, will be free to play and All Are Welcome!
