The March for Freedom

10 Fascinating Facts About the First Pride Parades

De: Avery Marlin

Narrado por: Mira Bergeron

Pride today is a dazzling celebration of love, visibility, and solidarity. Rainbow flags fly high, families gather in support, and millions around the world march through city streets in joyful affirmation of identity. Yet the origins of these vibrant parades are far more defiant — born not from celebration, but from resistance. The March for Freedom takes listeners back to those crucial first steps, when courage, anger, and hope converged to create a movement that would change the world.

This book offers a powerful journey into the early days of Pride, exploring ten essential facts that reveal how parades that now span continents began as bold acts of protest. From the explosive spark of the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 to the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March one year later, Avery Marlin vividly reconstructs a world where LGBTQ+ people lived under threat of arrest, harassment, and public shame — and the moment they decided to fight back.

Listeners will discover the determination it took to stage those first marches in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, where participants faced real fear of violence and rejection simply for walking openly together. They will see how activists wrestled with police resistance, struggled to obtain permits, and endured hostility in order to claim visibility. And they will meet the unsung heroes who risked careers, families, and personal safety to lay the foundation for future generations.

Each chapter highlights a crucial piece of the story:
– The spirit of rebellion at Stonewall that lit the flame.
– The very first Pride marches and the courage behind them.
– The simultaneous steps taken across America to build momentum.
– How Pride was protest first, celebration later.
– The difficult battles with police, laws, and permits.
– The role of community in creating a sense of “we are everywhere.”
– The pioneers whose names history too often forgets.
– How the first parades inspired an international wave of Pride.
– The legacy of Pride as both joy and protest, carrying forward to this day.

Marlin weaves together history, activism, and human stories to show that Pride was never just a parade — it was and remains a declaration of existence. By revisiting these beginnings, the book reminds us why Pride is celebrated in June, why visibility matters, and why protest is still at its heart.

The March for Freedom is not simply a history book. It is a reminder of resilience, a tribute to bravery, and a guide to understanding how far we’ve come — and how much further there is to go. It invites listeners of all generations, whether LGBTQ+ or allies, to step back into those defining moments of defiance and recognise the sacrifices that made today’s celebrations possible.

For anyone who has ever waved a flag at a Pride parade, marched in solidarity, or simply wondered where it all began, this book offers a moving and eye-opening exploration of how a small group of people standing up for themselves transformed the world.

Because Pride is not just about celebration — it is about freedom. And the march for freedom continues.

©2025 Deep Vision Media t/a Zentara UK (P)2025 Deep Vision Media t/a Zentara UK

Powerful, Honest, and Deeply Inspiring

Avery Marlin’s The March for Freedom is a stirring tribute to those who dared to march when the world turned away. The narrative highlights the tension, fear, and determination behind the earliest Pride parades and how they shaped the global movement we see today. I found the sections on unsung heroes and their personal sacrifices especially moving. This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a call to remember that freedom and acceptance were hard-won battles. A beautifully written and important reminder that Pride began with protest, and the march for equality must continue.

A Powerful and Emotional Journey Through Pride’s O

The March for Freedom is an incredibly moving and informative book that reminds us that Pride began not as a festival, but as a fearless act of resistance. Avery Marlin captures the raw courage of those early activists who faced discrimination, violence, and public scorn, yet marched anyway. I was especially struck by the detailed descriptions of the Stonewall Uprising and the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March — moments that reshaped history. The writing is clear, passionate, and deeply human, showing how protest transformed into celebration. This is essential reading for anyone who believes in equality, freedom, and the power of standing up for what’s right.

Inspiring, Educational, and Deeply Human

This book is a masterclass in storytelling and history combined. Avery Marlin takes readers beyond the rainbow flags and parades to the roots of Pride — a movement grounded in defiance and determination. I appreciated how The March for Freedom introduces the unsung heroes and everyday people who stood up against oppression during a time of real danger. The detailed descriptions of the first marches and the challenges activists faced make it impossible not to feel gratitude and respect for their courage. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, this book gives a powerful understanding of why Pride still matters today.

A Vital Reminder of Where Pride Began and Why It E

The March for Freedom is one of those rare books that feels both historical and deeply personal. Avery Marlin brilliantly balances facts with heartfelt storytelling, painting a vivid picture of the Stonewall Uprising and the first Pride marches. I loved how each chapter connects the early struggles to today’s global celebrations, reminding us that Pride was — and still is — a fight for visibility and human dignity. The tone is hopeful yet honest, and the message is timeless: freedom is not given, it’s claimed. A must-read for educators, activists, and anyone who believes in the power of collective courage.

Remembering the Roots of Pride

This book is both educational and profoundly emotional. The March for Freedom brings to life the early struggles of LGBTQ+ activists who transformed fear into a global movement for dignity. Marlin’s storytelling is vivid and compassionate, making the reader feel as though they are standing among the crowds at Stonewall or the first Pride marches. What I love most is how the book connects past struggles to present celebrations, showing how protest evolved into pride. A perfect balance of history and humanity — it should be on every reader’s shelf during Pride Month and beyond.

Inspiring, Educational, and Deeply Relevant Today

The March for Freedom beautifully honors the origins of Pride and the people who made it possible. What I loved most is how it connects past struggles with today’s celebrations, showing that the march for equality is far from over. The storytelling is vivid — I could almost feel the tension and energy of those early parades in New York and San Francisco. The inclusion of lesser-known activists adds depth, giving voice to those often left out of mainstream history. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, this book will open your eyes and heart. A must-read reminder that freedom, love, and courage are hard-won — and worth defending.

Relaxing and Educational!

Love the reader's voice. It's relaxing, smooth, and they have an easy to listen to tone. There were some sounds of hesitation behind the performance at times but I think everything was read very well. The information was easily digestible and simple to listen to while doing my tasks. I didn't originally know what was behind the first few parades, maybe I had an idea but now I know more. It makes me feel emotional and happy about how far things have come!

A Moving Reminder of Why Pride Matters

Reading this book made me see Pride in a completely new light. I had always known about the Stonewall Uprising, but The March for Freedom helped me understand the fear, determination, and passion that surrounded those early years. The stories of ordinary people becoming heroes are unforgettable. It’s written with empathy and insight, making history accessible and emotional. Anyone who has ever attended a Pride parade should read this — it deepens your appreciation for what that march truly means.

A Must-Read for Every Generation

This book bridges the past and present beautifully, reminding us that the Pride we celebrate today was built through struggle and defiance. The March for Freedom captures the essence of activism — courage, unity, and hope in the face of oppression. What I loved most is how it connects early protests to today’s global Pride movement, showing that the fight for freedom continues. It’s deeply researched, emotionally charged, and profoundly inspiring. A timeless and essential read for both LGBTQ+ readers and allies.

Educational and Emotionally Impactful

Avery Marlin’s The March for Freedom is a heartfelt and informative exploration of LGBTQ+ history. I appreciated how the book focused not just on events, but on the people who made them happen — the organizers, protesters, and allies who risked their safety for change. Each chapter is clear, well-researched, and full of human spirit. It’s a perfect balance of history and storytelling. This book deserves a place in every classroom, library, and personal collection devoted to social justice.