Photo: Rhianon Lassila

Some people think that drinking your face off and Pride festivals go hand-in-hand, but I've gone to Pride while sober for that last six years and it's been a blast every single time! Having fun at Pride while being sober is totally doable, and here's how:  

1. Always have a non-alcoholic mocktail in your hand

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Lots of folks like to drink at Pride. If you're not partaking, it’s a good idea to hold something in your hand if you feel awkward for not drinking. I like to hold a ginger ale or a sparkling mocktail at all gatherings where alcohol is involved. This isn’t necessarily to make people believe you are drinking or to look cool, it's so that folks will see that I'm already drinking something and won’t offer me drinks. Repeatedly turning people down and then talking about not drinking can really take away from the festive nature of Pride. It's a little exhausting. Another great thing about just holding a drink is that it affects my body language. I tend to fidget and close myself off when I get nervous in social settings, so holding a drink actually helps will shift my energy, and allows me to present as more open. 

2. Remind yourself of the many benefits of being sober

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If you remember that a lot of the people around you at Pride events have consumed a couple of drinks, it's easier to unwind and join the party because you can assume that your peers won’t really notice when, if you're awkward like me,  you struggle to make eye contact or fumble over your words.

Being sober at events can also be hilarious because you can really take in everything around you. It's likely that several of your friends are doing something like pouring body glitter over each other and then trying to lick it off. And that's a truly funny way to remind yourself of why you stay away from alcohol.

Additionally, because you’re sober, you are also automatically more coherent, and that's ALWAYS charming. It’s proven that you can think faster when you are not under the influence, so take advantage of the situation and be the comedian! And another added bonus: being sober let's you remember everything that happened, and you can recap all the shenanigans your friends got into during Pride. (Yes, calling out friends can be fun!)

3. Connect with your community

The whole purpose of Pride is to come together and connect with your fellow LGBTQIA+ community members, and for many people, it's often easier to connect while sober. At many Pride events, you can check out local LGBT  advocacy groups, organizations, performance troops, musical acts, and clubs in your area. It's nice to get involved with the community, so take advantage of the opportunity! And don't forget to take a step back and look at how beautiful and vast our community is!

4. Get down

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Have you ever danced while sober? It's awesome There is nothing more exhilarating to me. Moving to the music and doing a little bump and grind without being intoxicated is one way to have a great time at Pride events!

5. Learn more of your LGBT history

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In June of 1969, The Stonewall Inn became famous because of the riots that happened there, which sparked the start of the modern LGBT rights movement. Stonewall is still in existence and is a popular gay bar located on the West Village's Christopher Street in New York City. The fact that Stonewall still stands (and is thriving) is a testament to how strong our community is, and Pride events still celebrate that. It's an important thing to be a part of when you’re sober, so you can fully appreciate all of the history.

6. Hook up/make out with someone

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If you're sober and thirsty for something other than alcohol, then you should definitely try hooking up with a special someone while at Pride. And the best part is that you'll remember all of it!

How do you have fun at Pride events while sober? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!