Pride Month is an annual commemoration held during the entire month of June to remember the June 1969 Stonewall Riots in Greenwich Village, New York, that served to launch the LGBTQ rights movement in America. Not only is it historically significant, it’s also a chance for us to honor diversity while uplifting our LGBTQ friends and family by showing them (and the world) our support. In honor of Pride Month and all it stands for, we’ve come up with 20 great ways you and your family can celebrate the occasion.
Be an activist and ally
Teach children love and acceptance
Part of celebrating Pride Month should include setting the example of love and acceptance of everyone for our children. By having age-appropriate discussions with our children about homosexuality, gender identity, and inclusiveness, we’re honoring the men, women, and gender-nonbinary people who’ve suffered the pain of discrimination for simply being their authentic selves. If you’re unsure of how to start a dialogue, there are great books for young children (and even teens) that can help kick-start the conversation.
Learn about LGBTQ leaders in history
Just as black history was suppressed for years, LGBTQ history has also been left in the shadows. In honor of Pride Month, take time to learn about important leaders who have paved the way for LGBTQ rights in our country, including Bayard Rustin (pictured) who wasn’t just a key adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement, but also one of the earliest advocates for gay rights. During a time when just being black was dangerous, Rustin was also openly gay, giving hope and courage to so many others in the LGBTQ community.
Attend a virtual Pride event
While many cities have canceled their Pride parties this year because of the current health situation, there will be online events taking place to celebrate the LGBTQ community and the diversity of identity and love. San Francisco will be hosting SF Pride 2020 online June 27-28. Show your support by logging on to see live and prerecorded performances, celebrity greetings, DJ sets, and more.
Wear inclusive clothing
What better way to display your support of Pride Month than to rock LGBTQ-friendly clothing? Thankfully, Pride gear is available at many major retailers and (even better) from independent, queer-owned businesses that have a variety of Pride-inspired T-shirts and even cool Pride socks to keep you looking fresh throughout June and all year long.
Donate to LGBTQ nonprofits
This month, put your money where your mouth is by making a donation to one of the many LGBTQ nonprofits (like GLAAD and The Trevor Project) that work toward making a difference in the lives of gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning teens and adults. From preventing homelessness and advocating for legislative change, to pioneering HIV/AIDS research (and more), these organizations are tirelessly working to make the world a truly equal space for everyone. They need our financial support to continue their mission.
Volunteer with LGBTQ organizations
If you can’t donate cash to your favorite LGBTQ nonprofit, why not donate your time and talent, instead? In nearly every city across the U.S., there are opportunities to volunteer with LGBTQ organizations working to improve rights, provide resources and protect the LGBTQ community. Not sure where to start? Check out GLAAD and The Trevor Project for more information on volunteering, or visit Volunteer Match to see if there are local LGBTQ organizations in your area.
