Six Ways to celebrate Pride Month: now and always

Happy Pride Month! Yes, until the very end of the month we can say that: now and always, here and everywhere.

June celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and their right to freely be themselves. Pride month is celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots.

On the morning of June 28, 1969 in New York City, police officers raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Manhattan. When officers became violent, people fought back in response, more than likely exhausted from the hate and discrimination the gay community continuously faced. As a result of this event, people took to the streets and rioted, for days, for their rights; this sparked the gay rights movement.

Though the Stonewall Riots occurred a little over 5 decades ago, the LGBTQ+ community still faces unjust treatment in society. In June of 2000, President Bill Clinton officially chose the month as the time to celebrate gay and lesbian pride month. When President Barack Obama entered office, he changed the name to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride month to be more so inclusive.

As we kick off pride month, here are six ways to celebrate:

Support fashion/beauty brands that celebrate Pride

There are many brands that capitalize off of Pride month, incorporating the rainbow flag into their logo. How many of those brands actually care about LGBTQ+ rights?

Some fashion and beauty brands like Levi’s, Coach, NYX Professional Makeup, and more, detail their support and celebration of Pride. They are worth checking out!

Educate yourself

I provided a short summary of why pride month is celebrated in June. Do your research. What caused people to lash out during that morning? What was happening to those a part of the LGBTQ+ community before recent times? It’s always beneficial to educate yourself before getting involved in anything.

Go to a pride parade

If you’re comfortable going out since the pandemic has calmed down quite a bit, look into whether your town is conducting a local pride parade. You do NOT have to be part of the community to attend the parade - all are welcome to support.

Look into your job’s inclusivity

How does your company support the LGBTQ+ community? Are there any policies in place to suppers those of the community? If not and you’d like to do something about it, talk to the higher-ups. It’s important that LGBTQ+ employees feel that they’re in a workplace that fully supports and values them.

Be an ally

Once again, you do not have to be part of the community to support it. You should, however, attempt to create and sustain a safe space for those who are and speak out against injustices.

Redistribute your wealth, if you can

Make those coins and bills circulate. If possible, please financially support LGBTQ+ friendly organizations. It’s a good way to give back to your community and raise money for a great cause

For all those apart of the community: you are not alone in this fight for equality.

Pride month is in June, but the celebration and love are all year-long.