Things to do to celebrate Pride Month as a team
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and to show our support for their journey. We have come a long way in terms of acceptance and equality, and it’s important that we continue to work towards progress. There are many things you can do to celebrate this important month, but it’s also important to remember that it’s not just about celebrating the community - but also about remembering why we are celebrating this month, as well as recognizing their strides and helping work towards equality. Here are some things you can do to celebrate Pride Month.
Attend a Pride parade
Create an LGBTQIA+ themed party or celebration
Buy a rainbow flag or other merchandise from your local LGBTQIA+ group
Make a donation to an LGBTQIA+ support organization
Educate yourself and others
Volunteer your time
Attend a Pride parade
Pride parades are a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community and have been observed around the world for many years. It is an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate, share experiences, and create awareness. Whether you are a team of employees, a group of friends, a family, or an individual, attending a pride parade is an eye-opening experience that will stay with you forever.
Pride parades are known for their vibrant displays of color, music, and dance. They create an atmosphere of inclusivity and unity, allowing everyone to feel safe and accepted. It's a chance to witness the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community firsthand.
You can even gather your team together to create a float and represent your company in your local Pride parade - research your local Pride Parade and community to see how you can be involved.
Create an LGBTQIA+ themed party or celebration
One way to celebrate Pride Month is by hosting a party or celebration for your team, friends, or family. You can host a series of parties throughout the year or do something special during Pride Month, either in-person or virtually. Here are some ideas for an LGBTQIA+ themed celebration:
Create a rainbow pride flag cake with the many different colors of the flag on it. The rainbow flag is a powerful symbol of the LGBTQIA+ community and represents diversity and inclusivity.
Make rainbow-colored streamers and decorate the room or office with them. The vibrant colors will create a festive and supportive atmosphere.
Have a dance party with music that is encouraging, uplifting, and/or performed by LGBTQIA+ artists, such as Madonna’s “Express Yourself” or Lady Gaga's "Born This Way". Dancing together can be a joyful and liberating experience.
Host a Pride Month trivia event! If you’re creating your own, check out this blog post for question inspiration. Or, turn to the help of LGBTQ-owned small business Bar None Games.
Buy a rainbow flag or other merchandise from your local LGBTQIA+ group
One of the best ways to celebrate Pride Month is by purchasing a rainbow flag or other merchandise from your local LGBTQIA+ group. The rainbow flag is a symbol of pride and solidarity for the community. Displaying it shows your support and helps create visibility.
You can also buy items for yourself or as gifts for friends, employees, co-workers, or family members. There is a wide range of merchandise available, including t-shirts, pins, stickers, and accessories, all designed to raise awareness and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Buying from your local LGBTQIA+ group is especially impactful as it supports the cause and helps them continue their work in the community. You can check online or visit local LGBTQIA+ organizations or stores to find the merchandise you are looking for.
Make a donation to an LGBTQIA+ support organization
There are many organizations that provide support to the LGBTQIA+ community. These organizations play a vital role in advocating for equality, providing resources, and helping those in need. Making a donation is a meaningful way to contribute and support their work.
There are plenty of ways you can donate to these organizations. You can make a donation online through their websites, give them a call to inquire about the donation process, or send them a letter expressing your support and enclosing a contribution. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.
Here are a few organizations that would make good use of your donation:
Human Rights Campaign: The Human Rights Campaign is one of the largest LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups in the United States. They provide resources, education, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights at the national level.
The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is a leading organization focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQIA+ youth. They offer crisis intervention and support through their 24/7 helpline, online chat, and text messaging services. Donations to The Trevor Project help save lives and provide critical support to vulnerable youth.
National Center for Transgender Equality: This organization is dedicated to advancing the equality of transgender people in the United States. They work towards policy changes, advocacy, and education to ensure that transgender individuals are protected and respected. Donating to the National Center for Transgender Equality helps promote transgender rights and creates a more inclusive society.
GLAAD: GLAAD is a media advocacy organization that promotes fair and accurate representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the media. They work with entertainment, news, and digital media industries to create positive and authentic portrayals of the community. Supporting GLAAD helps combat stereotypes and promotes understanding and acceptance.
LGBT+ centers or local organizations: Many cities have local LGBT+ centers or organizations that provide a wide range of services, including support groups, counseling, health services, and community events. Donating to these local organizations helps fund their programs and initiatives that directly benefit the local LGBTQIA+ community.
Remember, it's important to research and choose organizations that align with your values and goals. Take the time to learn about their mission, programs, and how they allocate their resources to ensure your donation has the maximum impact.
Educate yourself and others
Pride Month is an excellent opportunity to educate yourself and others about the LGBTQIA+ community. Take the time to read books, watch documentaries, or attend workshops that provide insights into the history, struggles, and achievements of the community. Learning about significant events such as the Stonewall Riots and influential figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Harvey Milk can deepen your understanding of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.
Engaging in conversations with friends, family, or colleagues is a powerful way to share your knowledge and promote understanding. By discussing topics such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and intersectionality, you can address misconceptions, challenge biases, and foster empathy and acceptance. Remember to approach these conversations with respect, patience, and an open mind, recognizing that everyone has their own journey of learning and growth.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ artists, authors, musicians, and creators is another meaningful way to celebrate Pride Month. Explore their work across various mediums, including literature, music, film, visual arts, and performance. Attend their performances, exhibitions, or book signings to experience their talent firsthand. By actively engaging with their creations and sharing them with others, you help amplify their voices and contribute to a more inclusive cultural landscape.
Also consider diversifying your media consumption by seeking out LGBTQIA+ voices and perspectives. Support queer authors by reading their books and sharing your recommendations. Discover and follow LGBTQIA+ content creators on social media platforms, engaging with their content and amplifying their messages. By actively seeking out and uplifting marginalized voices, you contribute to a more diverse and representative media landscape.
Furthermore, attending LGBTQIA+ events, workshops, or conferences can provide valuable opportunities for education and networking. These events often feature discussions, panels, and presentations by activists, scholars, and community leaders. Participating in these gatherings allows you to immerse yourself in important conversations, gain insights from diverse perspectives, and connect with individuals who share your passion for equality and social justice.
Volunteer your time
Another way to celebrate Pride Month is by volunteering your time and skills to organizations that support the LGBTQIA+ community. Many organizations rely on volunteers to carry out their programs and initiatives. Whether it's assisting with events, offering mentorship, or providing professional services, your contribution can make a meaningful impact.
To find volunteer opportunities, start by researching local LGBTQIA+ organizations, community centers, or advocacy groups in your area. Many of these organizations actively seek volunteers and would be delighted to have your support. Reach out to them directly to inquire about available opportunities and how you can get involved.
Volunteering can take various forms, depending on your skills, interests, and availability. You may choose to assist in organizing and coordinating Pride Month events, marches, or fundraisers. Alternatively, you could volunteer as a mentor, providing guidance and support to LGBTQIA+ individuals who may be navigating their identities or facing challenges. Your professional skills, such as graphic design, web development, or legal expertise, could also be valuable contributions to help these organizations achieve their goals.
Celebrate Pride Month with Bar None Games
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, acknowledge their achievements, and continue the fight for equality. By attending pride parades, hosting LGBTQIA+ themed celebrations, purchasing merchandise, making donations, educating yourself and others, and volunteering your time, you can actively participate in the celebration and support the ongoing progress.
Remember that Pride Month is not just a month-long celebration but a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve full equality and acceptance. Let's embrace the spirit of inclusivity, love, and support not only in June but throughout the year, making the world a better place for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
