On the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots​​

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While traditionally June commemorates Pride Month through parties and parades, this year’s recent social injustice demonstrations remind us that those celebrations are only possible because the voices and actions of a few inspired a movement that drove substantial change for the LGBTQ+ community.

This weekend marks 50 years since the first Pride parade, on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. On June 28, 1969 New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. This was not uncommon at the time. That night however, the patrons fought back against the oppression, eventually being joined by hundreds more from neighboring bars. While that night’s riots were ultimately quieted, thousands heard of the events and returned the following night to continue the protest, which then lasted six days.

In 1979, the anniversary of Stonewall was marked by demonstrations in major cities across the country. A combination of politics and celebration, those events have evolved over the years calling attention to important LGBTQ+ issues such as discrimination, the AIDS epidemic, marriage equality and workplace protections, which was recently upheld by the US Supreme Court. Eventually they became more joyful in tone, becoming the Pride marches and celebrations we’re familiar with today.

As Heaven Hill strives to expand our diversity initiatives, we want to toast those who have fought oppression and championed the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Please take a moment and look below to see how we’ve supported this cause previously. We look forward to continuing this important work in the future and creating an environment that is welcoming, safe and inspiring for all.

Historically, Heaven Hill has been a supporter of Pride month through festivals, events, and social media activations. While COVID-19 cancelled many of those events this year, Heaven Hill remains proud of our work in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Brand Support​​​

Deep Eddy Vodka is proud to show support for the LGBTQ+ community through a wide variety of Point of Sale items, activations at festivals, social media content and its Deep Eddy Drag Bingo Bus which takes Austin-locals to the Deep Eddy Tasting Room once a month from July- December. The event includes a Deep Eddy cocktail of choice, transportation, a Drag Queen hosted Bingo tournament, and a discount on merchandise.

Additionally, Deep Eddy Vodka​ and Blackheart Spiced Rum have featured Pride content on their social channels throughout the month featuring bartender partnerships with LGBTQ+ accounts and Pride-themed cocktails. 

Last year, Heaven Hill National Whiskey Ambassador Bernie Lubbers worked with Louisville local account Big Bar to create a window display commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The display, featured in Big Bar’s windows during construction, commemorating conversation Stonewall and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. 

Though Pride is only officially celebrated one month per year, Heaven Hill is continuously focused on supporting this community year-round.

Read more about the ruling here via The New York Times and here via NPR.​