Pride Month Isn’t All Rainbows: Here’s How you Can Do Your Part as an LGBTQIA+ Ally
Pride Month is here and Target is in trouble again! *Cue the long-slow-eyeroll* Take note: Target is not a good example of how to be a good LGBTQ Ally during pride month.
Some might rightfully argue that the real history behind Pride month is often lost in the excitement and fanfare of the colorful festivities that take place throughout the month of June. It’s important to remember that The Stonewall Riots, which took place on June 28 in 1969, are credited with bringing about the birth of the LGBTQ liberation movement (now referred to as the fight for LGBTQ rights) and the creation of National PRIDE Month. While the riots gained members of the LGBTQ community some new rights (like the basic right to be served alcohol in a bar), the fight for equality was and is still a long road laid out before us. It requires perseverance and a whole lot of help from genuine LGBTQ Allies.
It’s important to note that the trans community in particular is under attack in the US and around the world right now. The world has become an even more frightening and dangerous place for our trans friends, family members and youth. Unfortunately, the attacks aren’t only coming from the heterosexual and conservative communities. Some members of the LGBTQIA+ community are guilty of transphobia and transphobic acts against trans individuals and the community as a whole.
With Pride Month officially here, it’s time to talk about how all people, regardless of their sexual preference or gender identity, can be good allies to the LGBTQ+ community this month and year-round
There are an abundance of things you can do to show your Pride throughout the month of June, whether you identify as queer or not. If you aren’t sure what type of role you can play as an ally, no worries. I’ve got you covered and I’ll be sharing ideas and insights into the LGBTQ+ experience through articles, on social media (including TikTok & YouTube), and through LGBTQ+ focused podcast episodes!
The following are some dos, don’ts, and tips for showing your support during Pride Month
How to Show Your Support During Pride Month
The Dos. The Don’ts. And some Tips.
Do: Attend your local Pride parade, fair and festivities.
Don’t: If you are an ally, don’t make an ass of yourself when you go to a parade. Remember the party isn’t about you. Be respectful.
Don’t: Brag about being an ally or helping organize or set up Pride celebrations. It makes people feel like a charity case.
Do: Wear the colors – a pin or a shirt. Don’t say anything about wearing them. Just wear them.
Do: All the stuff you should be doing all year long, but be more vocal about it because the opposition is more vocal during Pride month. Combat bi-erasure, correct people for misgendering someone, etc.
Do: If you are not going to participate in the festivities, offer rides to friends so they can be safe getting around town.
Do: Wear a Pride bracelet.
Do: Post things on your social media to show your support and pride.
Do: Donate to organizations working to make a difference. Some great places to start with are the Anti-Violence Project, Human Rights Campaign, Sylvia Rivera Law Project, GLAAD, the National LGBTQ Task Force
Do: If you have an office, put a pride flag at your desk or other rainbow gear so people know your office is a safe space.
Do: Put your money where your mouth is! Support queer businesses, especially QTIPOC businesses.
Do: Ask your own workplace why they don’t have all-gender restrooms if they don’t. Ask other restaurants and businesses why they don’t have all-gender restrooms.
Do: Organize an event or gathering that may not fit the typical cast of pride. Coffee and donuts so those who don’t feel comfortable in the drinking or club scene can still connect with their people.
Don’t: out people, you see at Pride.
Don’t: take photos of people without permission. Just because someone attends Pride it does NOT mean they’re out to their family and friends, nor does it mean they want their photos plastered online.
Don’t: attend Pride if you’re not comfortable with the human body in all its amazing forms and with people dressing as they would like to.
Do: wear a pronoun pin! It goes a long way to making safe spaces for others to share their pronouns.
Do: educate yourself on Pride history.
Do: Believe queer folks when they say they’ve experienced discrimination.
Do: Reach out to/volunteer with queer and trans children and youth.
Do: Have conversations with the LGBTQ members so that you can begin to understand their experience better.
Do: Follow activists in the LGBTQ community. Jeffrey Marsh is one of my favorite non binary people to watch and listen too.
Do: Watch some queer flicks! Happiest Season, Love, Simon and Blockers are just a few to consider.
Do: Vote or campaign for elected officials who work to improve the lives of all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Do: Advocate for quality, comprehensive sex education.
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