As we enter the month of June, it is time to celebrate Pride Month. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or know friends and family members who do, everyone must remain educated about what the month entails.
However, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, offline celebrations and parades may not be as easy and feasible as before. So, with all the restrictions and wariness, how can we celebrate Pride Month? Don’t worry, and we got you!
What is Pride Month?
The LGBTQ+ Pride Month is an annual celebration in honor of the 1969 Stonewall riots, which is a continuous work to fight for justice and equality for people who identify as part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ+) community.
After the uprising over 50 years ago, the movement against discriminatory behaviors has been growing. People across the globe acknowledge Pride Month as a way to celebrate our progress as a global community and society. From parades, parties, workshops to concerts, millions commemorate the occasion each year.
When is Pride Month Celebrated?
LGBTQ+ Pride Month takes place throughout June every year. People across the globe, from the U.S. to India, join in the celebration. Since the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan when protesters took to the streets of New York City, the LGBTQ+ community and people outside of it have been honoring the occasion.
Celebrating Pride Month in 2021
The world hasn’t fully recovered from the pandemic, so it might make sense for some celebrations to occur online. However, it does not mean we should commemorate pride month with any less enthusiasm! Here are a few ideas on how you can celebrate the month:
Have conversations about what identifying as LGBTQ+ means
One of the simplest ways to celebrate Pride Month is to talk about it. It’s important to talk about what it means for someone to identify as LGBTQ+ and address some of the community’s challenges.
If you have a family, try to start discussions about the topic with your kids or siblings. The more open we are about the issues and problems LGBTQ+ people may face, the better it is in the long run.
Watch and read relevant materials
Another way to do your part during Pride Month is to engage with relevant materials. Yes, you can read studies and watch documentaries, but we are also talking about so much more! Your book and film choices matter too. There are a lot of books written by LGBTQ+ authors and featuring LGBTQ+ characters.
If you want to help spread awareness about Pride Month and why people outside the community need to celebrate it, you can try recommending relevant movies to your friends and family. It is an easy yet fun way to engage them with the topic.
Participate in local pride events
Yes, the pandemic is still very real. But, no, it does not mean we can’t have our share of local pride events. What better way to celebrate with your community than doing it locally?
This year, more people have received the vaccination, and as long as you are aware of the therapeutic measures and precautions, there is no reason not to go out and celebrate.
For example, the free “Thrive with Pride'' concert featuring Charli XCX takes place on June 10. Also, search for local parades, festivals, and other events around your neighborhood.
Support LGBTQ-owned or -friendly businesses
You can show your support to the LGBTQ+ community or your enthusiasm to be part of it by buying from businesses that support them. It includes, of course, LGBTW-owned brands and shops.
Some top examples include clothing line Otherwild and Rebirth Garments, beauty brand Fluide, and BeeLux Goods for natural body products.
Donate to the right causes
Finally, if you are looking to donate to relevant causes and charities, there are plenty of options for you. The Equality Federation is a state-based movement that advocates for LGBTQ people, with organizations from Florida to Oklahoma to Oregon. The Trevor Project works explicitly to prevent crisis and suicide among young people in the community.
Meanwhile, The Transgender Law Center is a trans-led organization advocating for self-determination. They use anything from litigation and education to direct services to help transgender communities across the country.
All in all, Pride Month is just as important as any holiday or celebration. It is a time for the world to come together and prove that we can unite as one. Happy Pride Month, everyone!