Pride Month is celebrated in June to honor the Stonewall riots of 1969, a significant event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. These riots, triggered by a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, ignited a series of protests and activism that paved the way for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Pride Month serves as both a celebration of the progress made and a protest against ongoing discrimination and inequality. Twin Cities Pride, which celebrates its 52nd anniversary, is deeply rooted in the history of LGBTQ+ activism in Minnesota.
The University of Minnesota has a unique connection to Pride. The University of Minnesota plays a significant role in preserving and highlighting LGBTQIA+ history through its Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies. This collection is a vital resource for researchers and the public, housing a vast array of documents, artifacts, and personal stories that reflect the rich history and diverse experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.
One notable Minnesota figure connected to this collection is Leo Joshua Skir, a pioneering gay Jewish activist. Skir, also known by his pen name "Leo Ebreo," was an influential member of the New York Mattachine Society and a founding member of the Gay Activists Alliance along with Arthur Bell, Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Marty Robinson. His work and advocacy are well-documented within the Tretter Collection, providing invaluable insights into the early LGBTQIA+ rights movement and the intersection of Jewish and gay identities. Thanks to Josemy Morales who brought the story of Skir to our attention.
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