Queer liberation and the labor movement share a deeply intertwined history.

The Stonewall uprising of 1969 marked a watershed moment in both LGBTQ+ and labor history, igniting a wave of activism and solidarity that reverberated across the nation.

Led by trans women of color, drag queens, homeless youth, and other marginalized individuals, the rebellion against police harassment at the Stonewall Inn sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and inspired a new generation of queer labor activists.

Moving forward, labor unions must continue to prioritize LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation, ensuring that queer workers have a seat at the table and a voice in decision-making processes. By embracing diversity and fostering a culture of solidarity, the labor movement can build a more equitable and inclusive future for all workers, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

In the words of LGBTQ+ labor activist Bayard Rustin, "We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers... Our power is in our ability to make things unworkable. The only weapon we have is our bodies, and we need to tuck them in places so the wheels don’t turn."

As we celebrate Pride Month and honor the legacy of queer labor activism, let us recommit ourselves to the ongoing struggle for justice, equity, and liberation for all.