Published in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: This June marks the 50th anniversary of New York City’s Stonewall riots, the June 1969 uprising that galvanized the LGBTQ rights movement in the United States and beyond. Each year, Pride month honors those who stood at Stonewall, as well as countless others who have fought for equality throughout history.

But beyond the rainbow-themed summer parties, parades, and marches that usher in the June festivities, the rich and complex stories of LGBTQ history are honored at permanent sites around the world.