Pride Is a Protest — and a Party
Pride didn’t begin with rainbows — it began with resistance. The modern LGBTQ+ movement was born from the fiery courage of queer and trans folks at the Stonewall Inn in 1969. Led by visionaries like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, the uprising was a response to years of systemic oppression and police harassment.
Today, Pride is a global celebration of visibility, love, and resilience. But at its heart, it’s still a reminder: being yourself is brave, and finding joy in that identity is revolutionary.
At Lion’s Den, we believe in the power of pleasure and the freedom to explore it on your terms — because sexual liberation is part of the fight.
A Quick Look at the History of Pride
Pride Month is a celebration of joy, authenticity, and love — but it’s also rooted in decades of resistance. Understanding the history of Pride helps us honor the leaders who risked everything for visibility and equality, while recognizing how far we’ve come — and how far we still have to go.
The Stonewall Uprising (1969)
In the early hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village. Raids like this were common at the time, part of a broader system of harassment and criminalization of LGBTQ+ people. But that night, the patrons — many of them queer people of color, drag queens, and trans women — fought back.
The confrontation sparked several days of protests and became the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Activists like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé DeLarverie emerged as icons of queer liberation.
The First Pride March (1970)
On the one-year anniversary of Stonewall, LGBTQ+ activists organized the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, which stretched from Greenwich Village to Central Park. Simultaneous marches were held in Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These weren’t just celebrations — they were acts of defiance, declarations of presence, and calls to action.
From that moment on, June became a time to unite, demand change, and celebrate the vibrancy of LGBTQ+ lives.
Pride Goes Global
In the decades that followed, Pride events spread around the world — from London to Johannesburg, São Paulo to Tokyo. While each celebration reflects the local culture and challenges of its region, the message remains the same: visibility, equality, and joy matter.
By the 1990s and 2000s, many major cities began hosting large-scale Pride parades, festivals, and educational forums — blending celebration with activism.
Progress and Pushback
Over time, the LGBTQ+ rights movement helped bring about major legal and social wins, such as:
Decriminalization of same-sex relationships in many countries
Marriage equality, beginning in the early 2000s and becoming U.S. law in 2015
Expanded protections for transgender people, including access to gender-affirming healthcare
Yet, Pride still serves as a vital space for protest and political action. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, violence, and discrimination remain threats in many places — including the U.S.
That’s why Pride isn’t just a parade. It’s a platform. It’s a reminder that pleasure, visibility, and self-expression are not luxuries — they are rights.
Pleasure Is Political: Why Sexual Freedom Still Matters
For LGBTQ+ people, pleasure has often been policed — erased, shamed, or criminalized. Reclaiming sexual freedom is still an act of defiance and self-love. It’s about celebrating your identity, your desires, and your right to feel good in your body.
At Lion’s Den, we make space for that freedom by offering:
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Gender-affirming products like binders and packers
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Body-safe lubes for every kind of touch
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Anal play gear designed with all experience levels in mind
Supporting Pride All Year Long
At Lion’s Den, Pride doesn’t stop when June ends. We’re committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community 365 days a year by partnering with local organizations in the towns and cities we serve. From sponsoring Pride festivals to working with campus LGBTQ+ centers and health outreach groups, our stores build real relationships that celebrate and uplift diverse communities.
But support goes beyond sponsorships — it’s about creating affirming, inclusive shopping experiences where everyone can explore pleasure safely and confidently.
That’s why we carry:
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Harnesses, prosthetics, and pumps to support gender affirmation journeys
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Body-safe lubes for sensitive and transitioning bodies
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Inclusive sex toys for couples, throuples, and solos of any gender
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Massage oils, bondage tools, and self-love essentials that put pleasure first
Shop Loud. Love Proud. Celebrate Boldly.
Whether you’re dancing in the streets or exploring new sensations in your bedroom, Pride is about celebrating who you are — without apology. Lion’s Den is proud to stand with you.
* Shop our Pride Picks online for toys, accessories, and gear that speak to you
* Find a store near you for inclusive products and events
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