Pride is a time of celebration, reflection, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. However, the way one chooses to celebrate Pride can vary widely, reflecting personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, and individual journeys.
Here’s the thing, there is no wrong way to celebrate! Parades and parties aren’t for everyone and that’s okay!
Personalizing your Pride means finding the most meaningful and enjoyable ways to express yourself and connect with the community.
Here are some tips on how to celebrate pride your way:
Choose Your Activities
When it comes to pride, it’s important not to feel like there is a right way. Some people may not be comfortable with, or excited about, the large public gatherings that have come to be synonymous with Pride.
The reasons for this are many. Some people may experience anxiety in social situations or large groups, others may not be fully out, and some are concerned about the very real threats and potential for targeted violence faced by the queer community.
Instead of staking out a spot on the parade route, consider smaller more intimate gatherings with close friends or family. Consider an intimate group dinner at a queer-friendly establishment or a backyard BBQ, take in a screening of a queer film, attend a literary reading, or visit an art exhibit.
These types of community events allow people to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ voices and safe spaces without all the fanfare and pageantry.
For some people, activism and volunteering are the chosen ways to mark Pride Month. Giving back to the community and supporting causes that carry personal significance can be a truly meaningful way to celebrate.
Express Yourself Creatively
At its core, Pride is fundamentally a celebration of freedom and true self-expression.
For LGBTQ+ individuals, it could mean donning bright, bold, colorful outfits, or subverting gendered perceptions of clothing, wearing makeup, pins, bracelets, or other accessories.
It could also mean creating art, writing, dance, film, or music. Whatever medium speaks to you, can be used to express your story, raise your voice, or share your identity and journey.
It can be loud or more understated. Remember, there is no single or ‘proper’ way to celebrate pride. Be creative and do what feels right to you!
Educate and Advocate
Pride Month is the perfect time to educate others and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
This could include organizing or attending workshops, sharing resources, or engaging in larger discussions on social media.
Given the complicated political climate in the United States and the targeted attacks and legislation aimed at limited trans rights and forms of queer expression, like drag, education, and advocacy are critically important.
Celebrating Pride by spreading knowledge, awareness, and understanding within the community and beyond, can lead to broader acceptance and support.
Reflect on Your Journey
Pride isn't just a celebration; it's also a time for reflection.
It can present a perfect opportunity to reflect on your own experience. Consider the challenges you’ve faced and the victories you’ve celebrated.
Think about your coming out journey and the chosen family you’ve picked up along the way. Journaling or sharing stories with friends can be both profoundly therapeutic and affirming.
This reflection is a perfect time to check in with yourself. Again, it’s a tough political climate and your journey may have been especially difficult. These things can really wear you down and impact your mental health and wellbeing.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or just out of sorts, consider adjusting your self-care routine, surround yourself with positive and loving people who affirm and support you in all facets of life, and if needed, seek professional care.
Pride Month is about celebrating queer people and queer identities. This celebration includes feeling healthy and taking pride in your own experience.
Connect with Community
Even if crowded nightclubs and big parades aren’t your thing, you can still find ways to celebrate and connect with the community during Pride Month.
Visit your local youth community center, your queer support hubs, HIV/AIDS support groups, patronize LGBTQ+-owned businesses or join/create an online community group.
Visibility can take many forms. Joining and supporting the community with your purchase decisions and presence matters.
Queer organizations, spaces, and businesses are critical in the quest for tolerance and acceptance, and they are critical in maintaining queer identities. They provide safe spaces and may help someone identify their own path to coming out and embracing their true self.
Celebrate Your Pride All Year with Hunky Tops
While it’s easy to feel pressure to celebrate Pride with a month-long party, for some, this doesn’t jive with who they are. For others, a little public celebration is great but they want something more personalized and meaningful to them.
These feelings are all natural. The queer community is diverse and not everyone will be up for the rainbow parades. Whether you want to participate in traditional Pride celebrations all month long, attend a few, or avoid them altogether, you deserve to do what feels the best for you!
However you choose to express Pride, Hunky Tops has you covered. We understand that no two people are alike and for some, finding clothing to express your identity, pride, and individuality can be difficult.
We have a wide range of diverse and unique designs, with a little something for everyone. From bold, colorful looks to more subtle and playful winks and nods to the community, you’re sure to find something that feels comfortable and all your own.
Visit our store to explore our designs!
