June is one of the most exciting months of the year as it marks the beginning of summer and some of the best weather. It’s also the month of Pride, with lots of events and celebrations catered towards positivity for the LGBTQ+ community. The month was chosen because of the Stonewall riots of June 1970 that saw LGBTQ+ people protest against discrimination, and Pride month has been officially celebrated since 1999.
These days, Pride is one of the biggest events of the summer, and there are loads of things to do, including parades. Pride parades are a great way to have fun, express yourself, and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community. If you want to have the best possible time this Pride, be sure to plan ahead so you can celebrate in style.
Gifts for Pride
Every year, loads of companies all over the world join in the celebration and release special gifts and merchandise for the Queer community. Whether you want to get something for yourself, your friend or your partner, this is a great chance to find some great deals. Depending on what you’re into, you can find everything from Sinful toys to rainbow-colored animal toys and flags. While a lot of companies jump on the pride bandwagon, you can also find plenty of companies that actively support LGBTQ+ causes. By supporting these companies, you can help to make the world a better place for the Queer community while also getting some great gifts!
Pride Parades
Pride parades are outdoor events held in support of the LGBTQ+ community, and you can normally find them happening throughout June and July. Most major cities now have Pride parades, offering people a chance to come, show their support and have fun. You don’t have to identify as LGBTQ+ to attend, and many types of people come along to enjoy themselves regardless of their sexuality or gender identity. Pride events are about equality for all, and you don’t need to disclose your identity to anyone if you don’t feel comfortable with it.
Just like any kind of event, you can attend a pride parade on your own. Lots of people come to parades on their own and, in many cases, make lots of new friends. As a social event, you’ll be able to meet and talk to new people and hopefully have lots of fun, even if you didn’t come with a group of friends. People from all walks of life, from couples to friends and younger to older generations, have shown their support. Pride is a time for people to come together and be optimistic.
A Pride parade is usually filled with dancing, cheering, and, of course, the procession itself. After the parade, many venues in some cities will host after-party events that you can attend. As a result, the entire street might sometimes transform into a massive celebration afterward. There’ll also be a chance to go to local bars and nightclubs, many of which will be offering promotions.
What to Wear for Pride
If you want to celebrate Pride in style, you’re going to need a great outfit. Pride is all about freedom to express yourself, so people often get very creative in what they wear. That said, you don’t need to dress up flashy and flamboyantly if you don’t want to. Only ever wear what you’re comfortable wearing, and don’t feel pressured to fit into a certain style.
Rainbow colors are ideal if you have them, with the rainbow representing the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. The first rainbow flag was created in 1978, and there have since been lots of new colours added to represent identities within the community. You can bring flags and signs too if you want, provided they’re appropriate.
