Word of the Week: How 'pride' shifted from vice to a symbol of LGBTQ empowerment

npr.orgPublished: 5/28/2025

Summary

Pride, once a symbol of arrogance and vice in medieval times, has transformed into a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ empowerment. The word began as a negative term but shifted over time to represent self-respect and resistance, becoming central to annual Pride Month celebrations following the 1969 Stonewall riots. Organizers credit internalized pride within the community for its acceptance and growth, while critics note growing backlash against LGBTQ+ causes in recent years.