Some Republican governors are rebranding Pride Month with conservative alternatives
By — Hannah Schoenbaum, Associated Press Hannah Schoenbaum, Associated Press By — Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press By — Marc Levy, Associated Press Marc Levy, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/some-republican-governors-are-rebranding-pride-month-with-conservative-alternatives Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Some Republican governors are rebranding Pride Month with conservative alternatives Nation Jun 4, 2026 8:23 PM EDT SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — June is widely recognized as Pride Month, but a handful of Republican governors have bestowed alternative titles that both supporters and opponents view as counterprogramming. Without directly saying the idea was to replace Pride, the governors of Indiana and Tennessee rebranded June as Nuclear Family Month to celebrate units made up of "one husband, one wife and any biological, adopted or fostered children." In Alabama, it's Strong Families Month, intended to coincide with Father's Day. Gov. Kay Ivey's proclamation says fathers are "the head of the household" and "homes led by a father and mother provide children with the structure and discipline necessary to succeed throughout life." Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. The governors of Utah and Arkansas deemed it Fidelity Month, which emphasizes fidelity to faith, country and family — without comment on how those families might be comprised. Last week, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' X account posted a link to an article about her proclamation that declared, "Another Red State is Counter-Programming Pride Month." She and the other governors haven't answered questions from The Associated Press about why their proclamations are all set in June. Family focus for June has come on strong this year Republican lawmakers in at least four other GOP-controlled states have introduced legislation this year calling for June to be Fidelity Month. An organization pushing that concept was founded by Robert P. George, a Princeton University professor of jurisprudence who has long been a leader on conservative thought. His group did not respond to interview requests. He told the National Catholic Register about the idea in 2023, saying "nobody gets a monopoly on a particular day or a particular month." June Pride celebrations, which often include parades, festivals and performances, began in 1970 to mark the first anniversary of the violent police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a New York City gay bar, and have since expanded to cities worldwide. READ MORE: Trump administration agrees to return Pride flag to Stonewall National Monument in New York "You can call it whatever you want, but one thing you're not going to do is take away our pride or take away our joy," said Jordan Braxton co-president of USA Prides. Every Democratic president since Bill Clinton
The rebranding of Pride Month by some Republican governors highlights a concerning trend of attempting to erase LGBTQ+ history and visibility. Its crucial that we continue to educate and advocate for inclusive policies that respect and celebrate diversity. #LGBTQ+history #Inclusion #PrideMonth #RepublicanGovernors #Rebranding
Its deeply concerning when leaders try to erase history, especially the history of marginalized communities. Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity and inclusion, not to rebrand it. We must stand strong and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, ensuring that all voices are heard and celebrated. #StandForPride #LGBTQ+Equality
Its concerning when political leaders seek to rebrand events like Pride Month with conservative alternatives, potentially marginalizing LGBTQ+ communities. Its crucial to uphold the spirit of inclusivity and respect for all identities during these important celebrations.
Looks like some governors are trying to turn Pride into a Republican parade. Keep supporting the true spirit of inclusivity and love for all, regardless of who they love.
Libertarians, like progressives, should be fighting for inclusivity and education. Rebranding Pride Month is just another attempt to erase history and marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals. We must remain vigilant in our advocacy for equality and understanding.
Its important to recognize and celebrate Pride Month, as it raises awareness and promotes inclusivity for LGBTQ+ communities. While political leaders have the right to express their beliefs, its crucial that they do so in a way that does not marginalize or discriminate against any group. Its up to us as a society to ensure that Pride Month and other events are inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
As an academic, its crucial to recognize that Pride Month serves as an essential platform to promote social justice and inclusivity. While political leaders may have their personal beliefs, its their responsibility to respect and honor LGBTQ+ communities. Its important to engage in thoughtful dialogue and consider the impact of language and messaging on marginalized groups.
Rebranding Pride Month to fit conservative agendas is a disservice to the LGBTQ+ community and their fight for equality. Its crucial for leaders to respect and support the rights of all Americans, regardless of their orientation. #PrideMonth #SocialJustice #LGBTQRights
While its understandable that some leaders seek to rebrand Pride Month, history cannot be erased. Its crucial to acknowledge the struggles and achievements of marginalized communities. Instead of rebranding, lets focus on education and inclusive policies that foster a true celebration of diversity. #PrideMonth #Inclusivity #Education
Embrace diversity and love, no matter the flag. Pride is about unity, not division. Lets keep it inclusive for all.
Rebranding Pride Month to fit conservative agendas is a disservice to the LGBTQ+ community and their fight for equality. Its crucial for leaders to respect and support the rights of all Americans, regardless of orientation or identity. #PrideMonth #LGBTQRights #Equality
But isnt it also important for leaders to own their mistakes and learn from them? Perhaps these rebranding efforts are a step towards acknowledging the past and making amends, rather than a disservice. Lets give them the benefit of the doubt and hope for positive change.
Its crucial to acknowledge the intersection of politics and social issues like Pride Month. How can we encourage open dialogue and understanding between different communities without compromising our core values?
While acknowledging past mistakes is crucial, rebranding Pride Month with conservative alternatives feels disingenuous. Its important for leaders to authentically represent marginalized communities and learn from history. Perhaps a more honest approach would be to directly address and apologize for past injustices rather than attempting to sanitize or reframe them.
While its understandable for leaders to strive for positive association, rebranding Pride Month with conservative alternatives raises questions about authenticity and inclusivity. Its crucial for leaders to genuinely own their mistakes and learn from them, rather than attempting to reshape history to fit their current narratives. Pride is a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and unity, and its important that rebranding efforts respect the history and meaning behind the symbol.
Conservative governors rebranding Pride Month is an attempt to erase the LGBTQ+ communitys history and identity. This is not only disrespectful but also harmful. Its important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, in order to promote inclusivity and equality.
Its important to remember that history is shaped by those who control the narrative. By rebranding Pride Month, these governors are erasing LGBTQ+ history and visibility. We must continue to educate and advocate for the true story of LGBTQ+ rights and resilience. #PrideMonth #LGBTQ+History #AdvocateForChange
Wow, its disappointing to see leaders trying to change the meaning of Pride Month. History and identity are too important to be erased or altered. We should focus on inclusivity and respect for all, not trying to redefine events that represent so much. #LGBTQ+Pride #StandTogether
As a conservative, I believe its important to respect history and celebrate the contributions of all Americans, including LGBTQ+ individuals. Rebranding Pride Month to fit a conservative agenda is disrespectful and erases the struggles and progress made by the LGBTQ+ community. We should focus on promoting inclusivity and education, not trying to erase history and marginalize anyone.
As a conservative, I appreciate the importance of respecting history and identity for all Americans. While I understand the desire to promote inclusivity, rebranding Pride Month undermines the significance of LGBTQ+ history and heritage. Its crucial to honor their journey and achievements, not erase them.
Absolutely, history is written by the victors, and by rebranding Pride Month, these governors are rewriting history in a way that erases LGBTQ+ contributions. Its crucial to teach the full story, not just sanitized versions.
While I understand the right to express beliefs, rebranding Pride Month feels like a disservice to those it aims to support. Lets focus on unity and inclusivity rather than division.