Parade participants wave to spectators during the Nashville Pride parade on 24 June 2023. Photograph: George Walker IV/AP
June is widely recognized as gay Pride month, a time when LGBTQ+ communities march to protest discrimination and celebrate their identities. However, in several Republican-led states, governors have introduced alternative labels for the month, which critics view as counterprogramming against Pride celebrations.
Rebranding June in Conservative States
Governors of Indiana and Tennessee have designated June as "nuclear family month", explicitly celebrating units comprising "one husband, one wife, and any biological, adopted, or fostered children." In Alabama, it is now "strong families month", ostensibly to promote Father's Day. Governor Kay Ivey emphasized that "homes led by a father and mother provide children with structure and discipline."
While the governors have not explicitly stated that these labels replace Pride month, the message is clear. Josh Coleman, president of Central Alabama Pride, noted that the proclamation does not affect their events, but stressed that "it's not lost upon LGBTQ people when elected leaders don't recognize or value the visibility of the community."
Fidelity Month and Broader Trends
Utah and Arkansas have proclaimed June as "fidelity month", emphasizing faith, country, and family. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders posted on X about "counter-programming Pride month." Republican lawmakers in at least four other states have introduced legislation for "fidelity month."
The concept was promoted by Robert P. George, a Princeton professor, who argued that "nobody gets a monopoly on a particular day or month." However, LGBTQ+ advocates reject the zero-sum approach. Jordan Braxton of USA Prides stated, "You can call it whatever you want, but you're not going to take away our pride or joy."
Political and Cultural Context
Since 1999, every Democratic president has issued a Pride proclamation, while no Republican president has. Last year, Donald Trump's education department declared June "Title IX month," targeting transgender students. A recent poll shows a flattening in acceptance of same-sex marriage, partly due to increased Republican opposition.
Lakie Derrick, a conservative activist who helped draft Tennessee's resolution, said it was intentionally timed to counter Pride month, which she claims "goes against American values." Meanwhile, Marina Lowe of Equality Utah argued that Pride month is not antithetical to faith and family, as many LGBTQ+ people also value those principles.
Despite the backlash, thousands of Pride events continue across the US. In New York City, an "eve of Pride" event at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine illuminated the space in rainbow and transgender pride colors, drawing packed pews.
