The month of June is well-known by now as #PrideMonth and is a time to not only celebrate the history of the LGBTQ+ community and highlight the change that is still needed across the globe, but to also celebrate and come together in love, friendship, and acceptance, showing how far LGBTQ+ rights have come. So, how will you be celebrating?

Contents

Why was June chosen as Pride Month?

The month of Pride was chosen to be in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots that took place on June 28^th, 1969, in Manhattan, New York. Over the course of six days, the people of the nearby neighbourhoods came together to support the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar, that had been raided by police just because of the sexuality of the attendees. The homophobic assault ended with riots in the street outside the bar, and many members of the LGBTQ+ community coming together to protest the oppression experienced at the time and inspiring many more to stand up against the systematic homophobia of the time.

The Stonewall Riots were pivotal in the gay rights movement and are known as the beginning of a change in attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community that has been spreading since.

With more people starting to support the movement and being able to understand more about what it means, Pride Month became a much more popular concept entering into the 90’s and 00’s, celebrated in a huge number of countries across the world who continue to join together in solidarity, fighting for freedom and rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

Daytime places to visit in Manchester during Pride Month

Manchester has an incredible amount to offer any month of the year, but when it comes to Pride Month, the city really stands up and gives it everything it has. For those looking to celebrate during the day, we’ve put together a few of our favourite options for you below.

Image Source: richmondtearooms.com

Richmond Tea Rooms

Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s novels, these tearooms are just around the corner from Canal Street and is known as ‘The Pink Palace’ – a huge hit on the LGBTQ+ Manc scene. Offering freshly made sandwiches and snacks, along with a wide range of specialty teas, there’s something for everyone here. Choose between the gorgeous fairy-lit enchanted forest section, or for those who like to bask in the sun, the orangery, and give this staple a visit. Plus, it’s right round the corner from us on Oxford Street, so it’s super easy to get to.

Image Source: @no1canalstreet

No.1 Canal Street

An award-winning eatery in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village, and run by the incredible power-couple, Lisa Kettle and Dannielle Condron, No.1 Canal Street is a must-visit. Serving up a chilled, laid-back vibe as well as an incredible-sounding menu, this gastropub is a perfect choice if you’re looking to line your stomach before you continue on your travels around the city.

Image Source: @themollyhousemanchester

The Molly House

Named after an 18^th-century gay bar, this is the place to be for those who enjoy the alternative and eccentric. The inside is absolutely stunning with exposed brickwork walls and gorgeous vintage décor, whilst offering an interesting but impressive blend of a tapas joint, tearoom, brunch spot, and drinking house. The menu is extensive with inspiration from Europe, South America, Middle East, Spain, and Argentina – we know, we’re drooling at the thought too! The Molly House has a cosy snug vibe with soft lighting, vintage seating, and a bar to really dig in to.

Evening places to visit in Manchester during Pride Month

If you’re looking to throw on your dancing shoes to celebrate Pride, or just fancy a good night out, then we’ve got plenty of other options for you to choose from.

Image Source: escapetofreightisland.com

Escape to Freight Island

Developed to be an outside space during lockdown, Escape to Freight Island has something for everyone at its impressively sized venue. Offering pop-up bars, live music, and comedy nights, in June there’s plenty on to attend – with new menus, exciting DJ’s, and of course, drag queens, and proceeds will also be going to support LGBTQ+ charities in the city.

Image Source: ilovemanchester.com

G-A-Y Bar

The sister bar to G-A-Y Late in Leicester Square in London, G-A-Y Bar on Canal Street offers one of the best nights out you can find in Manchester. With drag queen hosts and insane drink deals, this is the place to be during Pride Month.

No matter how you want to celebrate Pride Month, Manchester has plenty to offer. Have we missed an event you’re going to? Let us know on our socials, and Happy Pride Month from us all at Manchester Apartments.