The world is changing every day. In the modern world, LGBTQ+ acceptance has become very normalized in several parts of the globe, allowing queer people to be who they are without judgment or fear. Pride Month is a yearly reminder of the battle that LGBTQ+ individuals have been holding to be able to live their truth and love who they want, just like a heterosexual person would.
Whether you’re a straight person who’s looking forward to being an ally for their friends or a queer person that has recently come out, or perhaps it is your first time celebrating pride month, here are a few aspects to take into account to make the most of it.
1. Educate Yourself
While most people believe that Pride Month is all about parades and watching live shows during the events, it’s so much more than that. Queer people have existed for decades, and although most of them have been purposefully “erased” from the common history books, we have several heroes and icons that have contributed a lot to the cause, allowing tons of LGBTQ+ people to be able to be who they are right now. Take a look at Marsha P. Johnson’s history and learn more about why Pride Month is celebrated in June. It’s also a good idea to learn about pre-Stonewall queer history.
2. Attend a Pride Parade
When pride month comes, it’s just a matter of time before the local communities start organizing a parade. It is a common thing in most places. Not only will you be able to meet other queer people and make friends, but you might also be able to learn more about LGBTQ+ culture and how these individuals choose to express their identity and be who they are. Queer people surely make themselves visible during pride month, but the parades are the best way to be in touch with them and experience for yourself that you might have more in common with them than you think, even if you’re not queer.
3. Support LGBTQ+ Authors
Queer people enjoy more visibility during pride month. While attending the parades and events might be a fun idea, it’s also possible that you’re a bit more on the introverted side and prefer to stay at home. In this case, you can always enjoy Pride Month in your own way by reading a good book with LGBTQ+ stories or characters to learn more about them. Some good recommendations include “This Day in June” by Gayle E. Pitman or perhaps “How We Fight for Our Lives: A Memoir” by Saeed Jones.
4. Volunteer or Contribute to LGBTQ+ Causes
Being queer is not something that happens only during pride month. Chances are that there are tons of LGBTQ+ organizations and nonprofits in your area that you may not have heard about, and Pride Month might be a great way to get involved – especially if you’re looking forward to giving more to your community. You can donate or volunteer depending on your time and what you prefer doing. Your contributions will be deeply appreciated either way.
5. Remember to Have Fun
While Pride Month isn’t necessarily all about having fun and partying, that doesn’t mean that both ideas can coexist. If you’re feeling feisty and would like to celebrate pride month while also having fun, you can always attend a gay bar – such as the Richmond gay bar crawl – along with your friends or on your own, make some friends and have fun while at it – even if you’re not an LGBTQ+ person yourself!
The Bottom Line
Pride Month happens all through June. You’ll likely notice it right away since it becomes very apparent on social media. While we’ve listed some of the best ways in which you can celebrate pride, bear in mind that everyone has a different concept of what it is like “to celebrate.” Some people love to attend parades and events, while others prefer to stay at home. Both preferences are perfectly valid, and you should only submit yourself to the experiences that match your personality best.
Whether you are a heterosexual ally or a queer person, Pride Month can be an excellent way to celebrate humanity, individuality, and identity.