Thanong AHappy Pride Month! ‘Tis the season to celebrate the rich history of our community and enjoy the present with parades and special events. Pride can be a lot of fun, but it can also be intimidating, especially if you’ve never attended a Pride event before. It’s perfectly understandable to have a few questions about Pride, whether it’s your first time celebrating or your 25th. Fear not! We here at them.
Today Pride events are not only an important way to celebrate who we are, but they act as a crucial symbol to LGBTQ communities around the world to show we are not alone and we are fighting together for full equality and recognition everywhere.
How did Pride start?
That’s an excellent question. Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall riots in New York City in 1969, largely credited as the catalyst of the modern-day LGBTQ+ rights movement in the U.S. The first Pride march took place in New York City in 1970. Originally, marches took place on the last Sunday in June as Gay Pride Day or Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day, but later spread out across the month and continued as a tradition over the years until it arrived to you! That’s beautiful, huh?
Today the New York Pride on the last weekend of June is one of the largest in the world, attracting crowds of around 2 million. The 2019 New York World Pride, which also commemorates 50 years since the Stonewall riots, is set to be the largest Pride event ever with around 5 million people attended! Around 5 million people attended WorldPride in New York City over the weekend, surpassing estimates of about 3 million, according to the mayor.
What Do I Wear?
You can wear whatever you want! It might seem like there’s a mandatory Queer Aesthetic™ (colorful dyed hair, crop tops, leather harnesses, etc.) to adhere to, but the only item we consider mandatory is sunscreen — protect that glowing, queer skin!
Pride is a great time to step outside the box and experiment with your look, but it’s also a time to embrace who you are and wear what you’re comfortable with. If there’s something you’ve been working up the courage to wear, why not give it a go? Whether you’re looking to try something outrageous or simple, you won’t be alone.
Pro tip: Rainbow is both colorful and functions as camouflage in rainbowy Pride environments, so it’s perfect for both extroverts and introverts.
Can I go to Pride alone?
You certainly can! Pride is a great place to make new friends and build community. If you’re going solo, we advise researching all events and activities in your area beforehand, so you know what they’re about and how accessible they are. Organizers and other LGBTQ+ folks will be more than happy to see you there, whether alone or in a group!
Can I celebrate Pride without being “out?”
Yes! In many ways, Pride is especially important for people who aren’t out. Many of those who are out are eager to show you that there’s a vibrant and diverse community here to love, accept, and fight for you. You don’t need to disclose your sexuality or gender identity to anyone in order to take part in Pride. Do what works for you on your own timeline, and come on by!
Are there traditions I should be aware of?
Provided we have accomplished the complex series of rituals scattered throughout the calendar year, we are granted the temporary power to turn approximately one (1) cishetero person queer at the beginning of Pride season. After that, there really aren’t any compulsory traditions!
We're kidding (we think). Sure, people will be wearing a lot more rainbow than usual, and there will be partying, dancing, and lots of making out. But you don’t have to participate in anything you don’t want to. One cherished tradition is revisiting and learning about LGBTQ+ history. Pride season is a great time to educate yourself about our community’s past.
Do I have to drink to celebrate Pride?
Nope! While there might be added pressure to drink (there will be a lot of drinking at many Pride events) and that might prove challenging, it’s important to bear in mind that you do not have to drink to enjoy Pride if you don’t want to. If you feel like you need to have a drink in your hand, but don’t want to drink alcohol, feel free ask for something colorful and festive — bartenders are usually happy to get creative with non-alcoholic drinks too.
Many cities have sober Pride events as well, so be on the lookout for those and feel free to ask other community members for suggestions. We promise you will not be the only sober person at Pride, and other sober people will be both thankful for your company and happy to help you navigate events!
Who belongs at Pride?
You do, and everyone else!
But if you don’t identify as LGBTQ+, please be respectful of the space and its reason for existing.
What if I’m queer but don’t want to celebrate Pride?
Then don’t! If Pride is not your thing, you shouldn’t feel pressured to go. In fact, it might sound like a lot of my advice has been “do whatever you want”. And that’s because, well, Pride is all about doing whatever you want! What’s the point of being queer if not to live according to your own expectations and desires, right?
