Several Republican-led US states have issued proclamations rebranding June as 'nuclear family month' or 'fidelity month', in what critics view as a backlash against LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations. The governors of Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Utah, and Arkansas have all introduced alternative labels for the month, which is traditionally marked as Pride month.
Indiana and Tennessee have designated June as 'nuclear family month', defined as celebrating families consisting of 'one husband, one wife and any biological, adopted or fostered children'. Alabama's governor, Kay Ivey, proclaimed June as 'strong families month', stating that 'homes led by a father and mother provide children with the structure and discipline necessary to succeed throughout life'. Utah and Arkansas have opted for 'fidelity month', emphasising fidelity to faith, country, and family.
While the governors have not explicitly stated that these proclamations are intended to replace Pride month, the timing and language have drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates. Josh Coleman, president of Central Alabama Pride, said the events would proceed as planned, adding: 'It's not lost upon LGBTQ people when elected leaders don't recognize or value the visibility of the community.'
Arkansas governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders posted on X that her state was 'counter-programming Pride month'. Republican lawmakers in at least four other states have introduced similar legislation. The proclamations come amid a broader conservative push against transgender rights and same-sex marriage under the second Trump administration.
Jordan Braxton, co-president of USA Prides, responded: '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.' A recent poll indicated that a two-decade trend of increasing acceptance of same-sex marriage has flattened, largely due to growing opposition among Republicans.
