The LGBT's of Pride | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Life Stages

The LGBT's of Pride

Everything you need to know to prepare to celebrate Pride Month

63
The LGBT's of Pride

Happy Pride Month!


Every June, the country celebrates Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots that took place in 1969. Not only is it a time to remember, and to thank, those who paved the way for our LGBT community today- it is also a celebration. All over the country, there are parades, festivals, and events to celebrate being LGBT. Looking to attend one of these festivities? Then I have the perfect guide for you!


L - Love Everyone

Pride is a time to appreciate and celebrate love, acceptance, and diversity. An important thing to remember in doing so is that everyone has their own style of self-expression, comfort, and identity. Pride events are for LGBT people- just because they may not look like they are a part of the community does not mean that they are not welcome. What looks like a straight couple may actually be people who are bisexual or transgender. Someone who is cisgender and straight may be there to support a friend, a relative, or be remembering an LGBT person who passed. Pride is for everyone- a time to accept and embrace our similarities and differences and to unite with a common thread: Our love for everyone.


G - Gather Supplies (And Friends!)

Taking place in a summer month, attending a Pride event requires the same amount of planning to go to the amusement park or beach. A time to celebrate does not mean a time to get hurt, sunburnt, or dehydrated! Check the policies of the venue, and plan accordingly. Do you have sunscreen? Water Bottles? An Umbrella, if it rains? Money, not only to purchase food and drinks, but merchandise as well? A bag that you can carry all of your sweet swag in? A portable charger is also a great idea, to maximize the snaps you can post of all you and your friends having a gay ole time. And lastly- find a place to meet if you get separated. Some pride events, especially in big cities, can be extremely loud and crowded, and its best to make a plan before it gets too crazy.


B - Be Respectful

As stated, pride can become a loud, crowded, crazy place. Be kind and respectful to everyone you experience. The vendors, many of who are volunteers, are there to make your day great. Smile and say thank you! Respect your space- don't take up chunks of the walking path, making it hard for others to get through. Watch over yourself, friends, and strangers. While pride is supposed to be a safe place, it unfortunately can bring in some unsavory folks. Watch your drinks- alcoholic and not. If there are protesters- pay them no mind. Do not fuel their fire with arguing, yelling, or physical violence. They're the ones protesting love- not you! If you see someone who looks lost, or in need of help (especially younger kids), lend a hand. The LGBT community is more than a community, and pride is more than a party- this is your family!


T - Take time to thank those that made pride possible

You're going to have a great time. Rainbow flags, music, drag queens, food and drinks, lots of great people and activities- you'll make great memories! But remember this isn't made out of thin air. Thank not only all of the organizations who put together the pride event but the countless men and women who fought for the right to even have a pride month.

Take time to remember Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office- who made strides that still impact the community to this day.

Take time to remember Marsha P. Johnson, a black transgender woman who was a prominent force in the Stonewall riots.

Take time to remember all of the LGBT people who tragically ended their lives due to hateful speech and intolerance.

Most importantly- take time to remember and thank yourself, and everyone around you. We are changing history, one rainbow at a time.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

129540
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

29527
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

27309
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments