Happy Pride Month! While we memorialize the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, our support for the LGBTQ+ community needs to be louder than ever. We celebrate love, not hate. 

There are so many reasons to observe Pride Month, but the most important reason is because everyone deserves to feel comfortable and safe being their authentic selves! You can help make this happen in your world by advocating, educating yourself and others, and being vocal about your support. 

Educate Yourself & Others

It’s so easy to get started on educating yourself on LGBTQ+ issues. If you’re new to being an ally or don’t know where to start, check out Straight for Equality’s Ally Spectrum to see how you can start your journey as an ally, or become a better one! A great way to become more aware of issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community is to read news outlets like Advocate. 

You can also surround yourself with LGBTQ+ content or stuff by LGBTQ+ creators to learn important history and better understand current issues. Check out @lgbt_history, @pinkmantaray , @mynameisjessamyn, @ihartericka, and  @queerbooklife, to name a few. 

Be vocal, but don’t speak for the members in these communities.

Sharing people’s posts who are in the LGBTQ+ communities on your socials is a great way to elevate voices that have been systematically oppressed. Using your privilege for progress.

Advocate

Advocating for the rights and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community is important every month, and Pride Month is a great way to get started if you haven’t already! You can advocate for political and societal change by messaging, tweeting, writing, or calling your local, state, and national representatives! Check out PFLAG’s Intro to Advocacy tips for ideas on how to get involved in advocacy projects.  

Learn, don’t overstep

Many individuals still keep their sexual identity and/or orientation a secret and it isn’t up to anyone but that individual to decide when to come out. You may be inspired by someone else’s story, but it never gives you the right to out someone else. 

Attend a Pride Parade… or a Virtual One

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person Pride Parades may be cancelled once again, but they will still be celebrated. A quick internet search should help you find Pride events near you both virtual and in-person. GayCities.com can help you find Pride events in major metropolitan areas, or check out community calendars hosted by your local newspapers or radio stations to find smaller celebrations near you. 

These are just a few ways to show your support during Pride Month but it’s a good starting point. No matter how you celebrate, know that you’re making a difference in the lives of millions.