The first of June kicks off pride month — and members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies anxiously await coming events. Whether attending a parade or doing something else to commemorate the riot at the Stonewall Inn in New York’s Greenwich Village, prepping for Pride is fun.
But what can members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies do to get ready for the big day? Here are some suggestions for how to prep for Pride sure to knock your socks off!
1. Find an Event
It’s hard to celebrate Pride without knowing when things go down. Search online for a downloadable event calendar to find out what will happen and when. Not everyone enjoys a flamboyant parade, but they may still wish to celebrate history.
2. Volunteer
Like any major party, someone needs to volunteer to set things up and help tear them down. Find out how to get involved in organizing Pride events locally. Nothing much happening in the hometown? Consider getting something started!
Even those preferring not to get involved in organizing can lend a hand in cleanup. Pride events rank as inclusive, but also a bit on the messy side. Help out the neighbors by lending a hand with picking up the inevitable garbage.
3. Get Some Colorful Gear
Pride is all about self-expression, so don’t hold back when it comes to letting your true colors shine through. Get all gussied up in rainbow gear to show allegiance during Pride events. Don’t be shy about rocking that temporary tattoo, either.
Fuel the body as well. Many Pride events feature a host of chefs from around the world. Dig into some delish noms to keep yourself going the entire day or weekend long.
4. Bring a Water Bottle
Pride events notoriously bring people together to share their favorite trinkets. Stock up on rainbow-themed bling to toss from a parade float during the big event. Recipients will adore customized necklaces and more.
Sunshine and high summer temperatures can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so be sure to bring a Pride-themed water bottle along. And while it’s tempting to drink infused vodka concoctions all day long, drinking one bottle of water between each alcoholic beverage staves off hangovers.
5. Write to Your Rep
Currently, many members of the LGBTQ+ community possess few if any safeguards against discrimination in the workplace. Less than half of all individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ have anti-discriminatory statutes in place in their area.
Help by making phone calls to local elected representatives with the power to make real change. Write to officials and insist they expand federal anti-discrimination statutes to protect people regardless of their sexual or gender identity. This helps make the world more fair for all.
6. Speak Out
Members of the LGBTQ+ community sometimes fear speaking up about harassment at work and other places. Prove to be a solid ally by speaking up when you witness someone being harassed.
If a member of the community regularly endures hateful attitudes and slurs, but fears reporting the offender to human resources, do so on their behalf. See someone getting bullied on the subway or on social media? Speak out and let the offender know such slights will not be tolerated. Report discriminatory comments when necessary.
7. Get Out the Cash
Long lines for the bathroom don’t pose the only wait for those attending Pride events. The line to reach the ATM can seemingly stretch all the way from Brooklyn to L.A.! Take a pass on the wait by getting cash out ahead of time.
Many local vendors request cash because they lack the equipment to process cards. It’s disappointing to crave a Cosmo where no chip reader exists. Eliminate this setback by bringing a small bankroll.
8. Wear Comfy Shoes
Yes, Pride represents the perfect time to break out those sky-high stilettos, but walking around in them all day can cause a world of misery on tired tootsies. Those who cannot resist the urge to rock impossible footgear do well to pack a cozy pair of flip flops to change into when things become sore.
Those walking in the parade can dehydrate quickly and find themselves feeling a bit achy. Those marching can prep their bodies ahead of time by walking on the treadmill at the gym and hitting hiking trails on the weekends.
Pride All Year Long
Pride month may fall in June, but being proud of who you are makes you beautiful all year long. Get out and rock your fabulous self during Pride and in everyday life!
