15 Weird, Wild, and Wonderful Pride Facts You (Probably) Didn't Know

So, you think you know Pride? You’ve marched, you’ve glittered, you’ve maybe even made out with someone in a port-a-potty behind the main stage (no judgment). But Pride’s history is as rich, rebellious, and occasionally ridiculous as a drag queen at brunch. Buckle up, buttercup. We're diving headfirst into the fabulous rabbit hole of Pride facts you didn't know you needed — until now.

1. Pride Started as a Riot (Not a Rainbow)

Let’s get this one tattooed on the inside of your eyelids: the first Pride was a protest. After the Stonewall Inn was raided by police in 1969 (for existing while queer), the community said, “Nah, we’re good” — and by “good” we mean throwing bricks and starting a liberation movement. Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera? Literal icons. Literal legends.

2. The Original Rainbow Flag Had More Colors Than a Lisa Frank Folder

Designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, the OG flag had eight stripes — not six. Each color represented something cosmic and beautiful, like hot pink for sex and turquoise for magic. Hot pink dye was too expensive, so it got cut. A tragic loss, honestly.

3. The CIA Once Tried to Use Gaydar. Like, for Real.

In the ‘60s, the CIA tried to develop a “fruit machine” to identify homosexuals. It didn’t work — shocking, I know — and honestly, the real gaydar remains securely in the hands of every femme in a crop top who can clock you from 300 feet.

4. There’s a Species of Sea Slug That Can Change Its Sex Whenever

Somewhere, a nonbinary sea slug is thriving. Their name is likely Kevin. We stan.

5. There’s a Queer Pride Parade in Antarctica

In 2018, a handful of scientists at McMurdo Station threw Antarctica’s first Pride celebration. It was small, cold, and filled with rainbow parkas. If penguins were invited, they're not talking.

6. The U.S. Government Banned LGBTQ+ People from Federal Jobs… Until 1995

Yes. Nineteen. Ninety. Five. Known as the "Lavender Scare," it was an actual thing. The government thought queers were a “security risk,” but the only thing we’re stealing is your boyfriend. And your moisturizer.

7. The “+” in LGBTQ+ Isn’t Just Cute — It’s Crucial

That plus sign isn’t decorative. It stands for everyone not explicitly spelled out: intersex, asexual, aromantic, two-spirit, questioning, and more. It’s the little typographical hero holding the whole rainbow together.

8. Some Corporations Only Support Pride in June — and We See You

Ever notice how some brands slap a rainbow on their logo for 30 days and vanish faster than a one-night stand’s promise to “text you tomorrow”? Yeah. It’s called rainbow capitalism. We’ll take your money, but we’re also judging you.

9. The World’s Largest Pride Parade Happens in São Paulo, Brazil

We’re talking 4+ million people. In speedos. On floats. In Brazil. Do we need to say more?

10. Unicorns Are an Actual Symbol of Queer Pride

Not just because they’re sparkly and fabulous — but because they’re mythical, magical, and can't be tamed. Also: horn jokes. So many horn jokes.

11. Bisexual People Have Their Own Day — September 23

It’s called Bi Visibility Day, and if you just whispered, “Wait, I thought bisexuals didn’t exist?” — please sit down, drink some water, and Google “Freddie Mercury.”

12. Lesbians Had a Secret Language in the '50s

It was called “Polari,” and included phrases like “naff” (not stylish) and “lallies” (legs). Honestly, if someone called me a “bona omi,” I’d blush. And ask them to marry me.

13. The “A” in LGBTQIA Doesn’t Stand for Ally

Sorry, Karen. We love support, but the “A” stands for Asexual, Aromantic, and Agender. Allies are welcome, but you don’t get a letter for not being a bigot.

14. There Are Pride Flags for Literally Everything

From nonbinary to pansexual, genderfluid to aromantic — the flag game is strong. Somewhere out there, a passionate designer is currently making a pride flag for bisexual left-handed Virgos who only drink oat milk.

15. Queer Joy Is Revolutionary

This isn’t a fact you’ll find in a textbook, but it’s the truest of them all. Living openly, loving loudly, and vibing in your full authentic weirdness? That’s the most subversive thing you can do. And yes, we highly recommend adding a toy or two to the mix. Check our latest deals, because nothing says “radical self-love” like free discreet shipping on something that buzzes.

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