Prepping for Pride Month
Pride Month, celebrated annually in June, is a time for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies to come together to honor the progress made in the fight for equality, raise awareness about ongoing challenges, and celebrate diversity. As you prepare to embrace Pride Month, there are various ways to show your support and contribute to the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community. In this article, we will explore different ways to prepare for Pride Month and actively participate in supporting LGBTQIA+ causes.
Educate Yourself:
Pride Month is observed in June to honor the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. In the late 1960s, being openly gay was largely prohibited in most places. New York, in particular, had a rule that the simple presence of someone gay or genderqueer counted as disorderly conduct, effectively outlawing gay bars.
On June 28, 1969, patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a popular bar with a diverse LGBTQIA+ clientele, stood their ground after police raided the establishment. The resulting clash led to days of riots and protests, known as the Stonewall Uprising.
One year later, on the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, thousands of people flooded the streets of Manhattan in the Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day March, regarded as the first gay pride event ever.
Decorate with Pride:
The rainbow flag is universally recognized as the symbol for LGBTQIA+ pride. It was created by renowned San Francisco activist Gilbert Baker. According to Baker, “the rainbow of humanity” is intended to symbolize all genders and races. Each of the six colors of the rainbow flag represent a different aspect of the LGBTQIA+ movement: life, healing, sunlight, nature, serenity and spirit.
Today the flag has progressed to include a black and brown stripe to symbolically represent LGBTQIA+ people of color and the addition of baby blue and light pink represent the colors found in the transgender pride flag.
Infuse your living spaces with vibrant colors, symbols, and flags that represent the LGBTQIA+ community. Decorating your space is a visible way to show your allyship and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Attend Pride Events:
Many cities organize Pride parades, festivals, and events during the month of June. Participating in Pride activities will help connect you with the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Visit The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association to view their 2024 Nationwide Pride Calendar to find an event near you.
Below are the events Equality Careers will be attending around the city of Pittsburgh:
June 7th: Pittsburgh Pirates Pride Night
June 15th: Colors of PRIDE: Pride through the Decades Fashion Show
June 15th: Lebo Pride
June 30th: Dormont Community: Pride in the Park
Support LGBTQIA+ Businesses:
Pride Month is an excellent time to support LGBTQIA+-owned businesses. Seek out and patronize businesses owned by members of the community, including cafes, bookstores, clothing stores, and online retailers. Download the https://www.pridemobile.app/ to discover LGBTQIA+ owned businesses near you. By making conscious choices in your spending, you contribute to the economic empowerment of LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs.
Spread Awareness on Social Media:
Use your social media platforms to raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues, share informative content, and amplify the voices of activists and organizations. Use relevant hashtag such as #PrideMonth and #LoveisLove when sharing personal stories and engage in conversations that promote understanding and inclusivity.
As Pride Month approaches, take proactive steps to celebrate diversity and actively support the LGBTQIA+ community. From educating yourself about LGBTQIA+ history to attending Pride events, there are numerous ways to contribute to the ongoing fight for equality.
