Getting the Most Out of Your Pride Month

By Blaize Stewart

June 16, 2018

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June is upon us, and that means that in addition to the sunny skies and warmer temperatures, Pride season is finally here. This month-long annual celebration commemorates the Stonewall Riots, which many recognize as the event that sparked the LGBT rights movement.

Pride can be celebrated in a multitude of ways — that's one of the beautiful things about it. However, typically, the most popular Pride celebrations take place in large metropolitan areas and feature parties, parades and festivals. My first Pride took place in Chicago in 2017 and, while I had a blast, there are certain things I wish I had known before diving in, tips that would have allowed me to maximize the Pride Month experience.

A diverse young friends celebrating gay pride festival holding a pride flag together
Bigstock/Alessandro Biascioli

Have fun, but be safe!

During Pride, you should make sure you know where you are, trust the people you’re with and and remain aware of your own state of mind throughout the day. Pride is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and experience new things, but it's important to keep your wits about you.

The best way to do this is to go with a group of trusted friends. Before you head out, you should also work out your plans for the day. This plan doesn’t need to be formulated with military precision — you just need a rough outline of what you intend to do and when, so that, if you get separated, it will be easier to reconnect. It's also a good idea to track your location using a phone app and share it with your friends (this feature could also come in handy if you lose said phone) and to set an hourly reminder to drink water throughout the day.

You might be thinking, "But I'll just call or text my friends, if I need to!" but it can be difficult to get good reception at such a busy, crowded event. Having a backup plan won’t hurt!

A woman wearing a rainbow sweater laughs while standing next to her young daughter smiling as well.
Pexels/Rosemary Ketchum

Leave your judgments/assumptions at home

Pride is a celebration for everyone in the LGBT community, which includes people of all races, genders, orientations, and body types. Unfortunately, I've experienced prejudice at Pride first-hand. Last year, I had barely been there for five minutes when someone told me to go away and come back after I had “actually come out,” because they didn’t respect my identity as bi. Hate and exclusion go against the very essence of Pride. Don't bring those feelings to this celebration.

And don't make any assumptions about the people you might see. For example, if you see what looks like a male–female couple, don't tell them that the event isn't for them. They might be bi, pansexual, transgender, or even just straight allies who are there to support and celebrate the LGBT community, just as you are. The more people who feel comfortable attending Pride celebrations, the better, so make it a priority to be welcoming and kind.

Don’t just go to the parties

There are many different kinds of events at Pride month. In addition to the parties, there are usually speakers, networking events, advocacy meetings, and many other opportunities that could benefit both you personally and the community as a whole. There are also ample ways to volunteer to help those in the LGBT community who are struggling in various ways. A simple Google search or email to an advocacy organization should yield plenty of suggestions as to where to find such events and how to participate.

Be proud

This is a time to celebrate, so be sure to enjoy it in any way you see fit! Don't let anyone else’s expectations dictate how you express your pride in yourself. Accepting and celebrating who you are is, after all, the whole point of Pride month!

A large group of friends all smile and embrace eachother as they sit on the grass together holding a rainbow flag.
Bigstock/Alessandro Biascioli

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