June has come a long way since President Bill Clinton first declared the month “Gay & Lesbian Pride Month” in 1999. Over two decades later, these 30 days—now more inclusively known as LGBTQ+ Pride Month—are celebrations of self expression and LGBTQ+ rights. But this year, to commemorate the month, planners across North America went beyond the rainbow.
From themed cocktail classes in Miami alongside queens featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race, to 818 Tequila's three-part campaign, UGG's "Feel Heard" initiative with The Trevor Project, and a “Spectrum Of Experiences”-themed event at The Stonewall Inn in New York City—a National Historic Landmark and site of the 1960 riots that launched the gay rights movement—Pride events were bursting with steal-worthy event inspiration.
Keep scrolling for an inside look at the rainbow-clad affairs, and get inspired to celebrate the freedom to be uniquely yourself year-round.