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juneteenth history

The Importance of Juneteenth - the Newest Federal Holiday

In 2021, Juneteenth became the latest federal holiday in the US — the first to be approved since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.

The Significance of Juneteenth

On this date in 1865, the news of slavery's end came to the last state practicing it. It's become a day to celebrate and reflect on African-American history.

Why Juneteenth, Now a Federal Holiday, Is So Significant

June 19, 1865, marked the end of slavery in the U.S., and recognition of the date is spreading.

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Here is how Juneteenth came to be and why it's so important

First celebrated in 1866 in Texas, it's now a federal holiday.

For These Lesbian Moms, Marriage Rights Didn't Cure Racism, Homophobia

The difficult job of raising Black boys as a same-sex couple persists even as LGBTQ+ rights advance.

The Pride of Juneteenth

"Today is an embodiment of the principle that none of us are free until we all are free," writes NCLR's Imani Rupert-Gordon.

This Juneteenth and Pride Month, let's reflect on the intertwined struggles for freedom and equality

A reflection on the vibrant energy of June with Juneteenth and Pride Month, honoring the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities. How can we continue to fight for freedom and equality, standing in solidarity with all who seek to live authentically and without fear?

The Juneteenth flag is full of symbols. Here’s what they are and what they mean

The flag is the brainchild of activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF).

On Juneteenth, Think About Black Americans

It's to be a celebration of emancipation,  but the problems and pain if you're Black -- and queer -- still exist in Tulsa and elsewhere. 

The Advocate's CEO Reflects on the Profound Significance of Juneteenth

"Today, let us reflect on our actions, our efforts, and our impact," says Mark Berryhill.

GOP Candidate Slammed for His Schools' Homophobic Curriculums

A new attack ad blasts the Trump-endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate's extremist private school curriculum that compares queer people to "child molesters and rapists."

Teacher on Leave After Saying Devil's Behind Pride Event

Leigh Ann Courington, who teaches history at Wallace State Community College in Alabama, made anti-LGBTQ+ and racist remarks on Facebook.

San Francisco Previews Summer Pride Event

With COVID far from gone, the city is planning a hybrid celebration.

N.D. Councilwoman Declares She's a Proud Lesbian in Response to Bigot

The exchange occurred during a meeting over the official flying of a Pride flag in Minot, N.D. 

Judy Shepard, Nancy Pelosi, and queer scientist Jane Rigby among Medal of Freedom honorees

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor.

Yvie Oddly spills the tea on 'All Stars' season 7 and toxic fans in new memoir (exclusive)

The RuPaul's Drag Race season 11 winner tells The Advocate about her new memoir All About Yvie: Into the Oddity and all the drama it dishes.

National Park Service reverses Pride ban for employees in uniform after backlash from LGBTQ+ community

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland reversed an earlier policy forbidding employees from participating in uniform, which caused uproar.

BL Shirelle Amplifies the Voices of Those in Prison Through Music

Philadelphia-based rapper and songwriter BL Shirelle is recording and producing the work of currently incarcerated musicians.

LGBTQ+ Film Festival Frameline Announces Lineup for its 47th Year

This year's festival will host special guests Taylor Mac, Alaska, and Sofia Coppola.

Women's sports bars are on a winning streak and 'slaying the trolls'

When Jenny Nguyen opened The Sports Bra in 2022, she started a movement: Bars that only show women’s sports. Now, fandom and pay are rapidly growing — and it’s time for the Olympics.

Black LGBTQ+ candidates still face bigotry  — here's how they're fighting it

A new Victory Institute report details the racism, homophobia, transphobia, and other obstacles Black LGBTQ+ people encounter in politics.