Seven Ways You Can Celebrate Pride Month
Each June, members, supporters, and allies gather at marches and other organized events in the U.S. and around the world in honor of Pride Month.
While these commemorations are often uplifting in nature, June also serves as a time to reflect on the history of the Pride movement and remember those lost to anti-LGBTQ+ violence, suicide, and the AIDs crisis that predominantly affected the LGBTQ+ community. It is about coming together to show love and acceptance, as well as affirm identities that haven’t always been told they’re worth celebrating.
Interested in Showing Your Support?
Along with public gatherings, parades, and remembrances, there are numerous other ways to join in and support Pride Month.
Here are seven suggestions on how to celebrate.
1. Learn the History
The roots of the movement go back to the early 1900s, when a handful of individuals in North America and Europe created gay and lesbian organizations such as the Society for Human Rights, founded by Henry Gerber in Chicago in the 1920s.
Despite some progress in the postwar era, basic civil rights were largely denied to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people—until the Stonewall Riots of 1969.
One year later, during the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, activists in New York City marched through the streets of Manhattan in commemoration of the uprising.
Whether you are a member of the community or an ally, there are always greater depths or new threads to explore. Share your knowledge, correct misconceptions, and encourage open dialogue. By fostering understanding, you can help create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Important dates in June:
- June 12: Pulse Remembrance Day, a remembrance of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting victims
- June 19: Juneteenth, a commemoration of African American culture and the emancipation of African American slaves
- June 27: National HIV Testing Day, encourages individuals to be tested for HIV
- June 28: Stonewall Riots Anniversary, commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising
- June 30: Queer Youth of Faith Day, to celebrate and empower LGBTQ+ youth of different faiths
2. Share Your Story
Sharing your personal story can be a deep act of solidarity and support for others in our community. Talking with a friend, or even sharing more broadly on social media, can help others feel less alone. Sharing your story is unique to you, and we encourage you to do express yourself in whatever way feels authentic to you. This could look like sharing your favorite LGBTQ+ literature, song lyrics or favorite quote. Sharing your story can be as easy as expressing your fondest memories of the LGBTQ+ community through song lyrics or a favorite quote, like this one from Tim Cook.
“Diversity and inclusion, racial equity and injustice, these are all things that we need the whole of society moving forward on.”
3. Show Love and Acceptance
You can never go wrong with simply saying, “I see you and I love you.”
For more actionable items, displaying the rainbow flag (a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride) is a simple and visible way to show support. Hang a rainbow flag in your home, office, or community space. Alternatively, wear clothing or accessories featuring pride colors or ribbons to express your solidarity.
Above all, truly seeing and accepting people for who they are is the ultimate display of love. Being intentional and respectful when asking for someone’s preferred pronouns is crucial to creating a more inclusive culture and while it may seem obvious, remember to take time to talk with queer people about things other than being queer…they are humans, just like you!
4. Support LGBTQ+ Businesses
Make a conscious effort to support LGBTQ+ owned businesses and organizations. Shop at LGBTQ+ bookstores, cafes, and businesses, or donate to LGBTQ+ charities. By contributing to these enterprises, you actively support their success and help create a more inclusive economy.
5. Advocate for LGBTQ+ Equality
Use your voice and platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ protections and equality. Some ways you can do this include, but are not limited to:
- Writing to your elected officials.
- Signing relevant petitions.
- Supporting organizations working toward LGBTQ+ rights.
- Amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, messages, and educational content on social media to raise awareness and promote acceptance.
"We may not all relate to or understand each other, and that is okay – being understood is not a requirement for existing or for being treated with human dignity."
6. Listen to LGBTQ+ Tunes
Music can spark joy, strike a nerve, and even provide common ground for two people with absolutely nothing in common.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to turn to music as a means of self-expression. Various streaming services such as Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and iHeartRadio have featured LGBTQ+ playlists to which you can listen, cry, and dance.
Turn up the tunes! 🎶
7. Give Back
Giving back and donating to LGBTQ+ organizations is always an option, but money isn’t the only way to show your support. There are many organizations that offer ways to be an “at-home advocate” including petition campaigns or mentoring LGTBQ+ youth through texts as they work on finding ways to come out.
Sharing resources online for others can be a meaningful way to advocate for their work and help others who may have the time or money to contribute but do not know where to start.