June is Pride month. Whether you identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or are an ally, we’re celebrating all month long.
From flash mobs in Times Square to parades across the nation, there are opportunities for everyone to show their support and the continued fight for rights and equality.
This isn’t just for the girls, gays, and theys — there are ways for everyone to advocate and show support for LGBTQ+ rights.
1. Educate yourself.
As much as we love any excuse to get day drunk, that’s not what Pride is about. Pride has a deep history — and June is an important month to acknowledge the continued fight for rights for those in the LGBTQ+ community. Take some time to read up on the history of Pride and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
The first Pride march took place on June 28, 1970, in New York City, a year after the Stonewall uprising. Pride marches now take place all over the world— and other events are held to celebrate the strides made in rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
The month now serves as both a time to celebrate these momentous gains — but also to acknowledge that there is still a long way to go in ending disparities and marginalizations many people in the community still face.
2. Wear your pride — or allyship — on your sleeve
Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community by wearing it on your clothes.
Wearing a “pro gay, pro trans” tee will show your allyship and support for the community. Whether you choose rainbow colors to reflect the colors of the Pride flag or a more simple one that’s pink, it’s the perfect way to let the world know you support fighting for the rights of everyone.
Or grab a tote bag that shows the same support. It’s perfect for carrying water bottles while marching in a Pride parade.
3. Show your love for an LGBTQ+ friend — or yourself — with a gift
This is the perfect way to show love for your friends or other loved ones who identify with the LGBTQ + community — and if you identify as part of that community yourself, get a little treat.
Grab a card filled with a heartfelt message for a loved one on how much you value their friendship.
Or snag a Unicorn Dreams bath soak with beautiful rainbow colors like those in the Pride flag. It’s the perfect treat to relax with after a long day outside at a Pride event.
4. Continue fighting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community
While Pride month is a time to celebrate the strides made for LGBTQ+ rights, the fight is far from over.
For example, many lawmakers are trying to pass and keep anti-trans legislation in Alabama.
The ACLU of Alabama states: “These companion bills would criminalize medical professionals who provide gender-affirming healthcare to transgender youth, require school personnel to out transgender children to their parent(s) or guardian(s), and strip away parents’ or guardians' rights to make decisions, under guidance from trained medical professionals, that are in the best interest of their children.”
Take action to fight against bills like these — and other injustices against the LGBTQ+ community.
Call your lawmakers to protest such legislation, attend a protest or speak publicly against it, donate to organizations fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, and continue to call out injustices, homophobia, and transphobia when you see it.
We’re celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the strides made for their rights all Pride month long. We hope you find ways to commemorate this month, too — whether you’re an ally, or identify as part of the community yourself.