Harry Styles helps gay fan come out during Pride month concert: ‘You are a free man’ Love wins.Hochul to probe LI libraries that reportedly removed LBGTQ materials for kids during Pride month It’s not as tidy as it is on Facebook but it is possible.Īnd as you do the things mentioned above, celebrate! Crank up one these Pride anthems and dance, live, and love. You can unfriend people in real life too. Speak up when you see homophobia (in real life and online) and hit the unfriend button if it continues. Instead, share articles and current events related to LGBTQ equality that make clear your opinions on the issues. There will be no lightbulb moment, so, don’t waste your energy. I’m kidding! Don’t do that! No one’s been cured of homophobia during an argument on social media. If you have a platform, share them with others.
Our stories are more important than ever, so, read them. The fight for LGBTQ equality is not over and the current administration aims to take away the progress we’ve made in recent years. They give us a peek into lives different than our own, bridge differences, and make us more compassionate people. Read LGBTQ writers and amplify their voices. Consider putting your dollars behind businesses owned by LGBTQ people and allies. Look out for local and small businesses that support the LGBTQ community as well. Lists by Teen Vogue and NewNowNext can help you get started. I’m not here to promote any particular company but to encourage you to do your research so that you know the politics of the businesses you support.
Just as people live in complexity, corporations seem to as well. This one can be a little tricky because sometimes companies are progressive on one issue but not so great on another. Support businesses that support the LGBTQ community. Find LGBTQ organizations in your own community and devote your time and money to those because sometimes that’s where your actions will have the greatest impact. But I would strongly encourage you to donate and volunteer locally. There are many national organizations that work on behalf of the LGBTQ community, such as the Human Rights Campaign, True Colors Fund, PFLAG, Family Equality Council, and the National Center for Transgender Equality, just to name a few. Donate time or money to LGBTQ organizations. Pick some up! I always notice people wearing their support on their sleeves and it always brings a smile to my face. Most sports teams have a Pride night and usually have merchandise to go with it. Both share profits with LGBTQ organizations. The Human Rights Campaign has some nice designs and Brave New World Designs (by Mom2.0 community member Christine Koh) has a simple shirt too. Back in my day, I had to drive to a lesbian owned bookstore an hour away to find an LGBTQ t-shirt but now you can pick up Pride merchandise almost anywhere – even Target. These are all easy ways to send a message to everyone you meet that you stand with the LGBTQ community. Grab a hat, a bracelet, or a flag. Dye your hair rainbow colors. June is LGBTQ Pride Month and that means everything is extra pretty, witty, and gay! Shortly after I came out in 1990, a friend sent me a letter as a little pep talk and wrote, “Never forget that gay people bring color to the world.” If you ever doubt that, go to a Pride event and take it all in – the rainbows, the music and dancing, and the palpable joy of people living their truth.Īllies often ask me what they can do to support the LGBTQ community, so, I’ve made a list of ways to celebrate Pride month that will do just that.