Get the most out of Pride with these helpful do's and don’ts
June is Pride Month, and you know what that means — lots and lots of Pride festivities! But before you hit the parade route or the club circuit, keep these handy do's and don’ts in mind.
DO: Invite your friends
Celebrating Pride just wouldn’t be the same without your friends! From old friends to new friends, significant others to family members, whether LGBTQ or straight allies, the more the merrier!
DON’T: Drink and drive
It’s not worth it! Sure, the drinks will be flowing, but that’s what Uber, Lyft, taxis and designated (sober!) drivers are for. Stay safe out there!
DO: Meet new people
Pride brings such a rich and diverse crowd together. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and meet someone new! Who knows, they may end up becoming a great friend, a lover … or a one-night stand!
DON’T: Put your health at risk
If you’re outside, stay hydrated! If you’re planning on getting lucky, do it safely! If you’re drinking, don’t over do it! Pride can be all fun and games until someone gets hurt — so don’t get hurt!
DO: Take photos
Most Pride events have social media accounts with hashtags galore. Share your memories with the world and show your Pride for those unable to make it to the festivities. Not really the sharing type? Photos are still a great way to capture memories you can revisit for years to come.
DON’T: Get caught up in drama
During Pride, the drinks are flowing, the nights are late, the sleep is at a minimum, and the emotions are high. It’s easy to get caught up in unnecessary, petty drama. Stay out of it and remember why you’re celebrating (or protesting).
DO: Remember to eat
Even if you've probably been working on that “Pride body” (btw, what does that even mean?) for months now, you’ll need your strength if you’re going to make it through all the fun events you have planned! Plus, who can say no to all that amazing festival food?
DON’T: Break the law
This may seem like a no brainer, but depending on where you’re celebrating, the laws may be different, especially regarding alcohol in public, public dress, noise, and curfews. Do your research and you’ll be having loads of lawful fun in no time.
DO: Try something new
Whether it’s a new type of food, an event you’ve never been to before, an outfit you thought you’d never wear — whatever it is, Pride is the perfect time to shake off any self consciousness and try something new.
DON’T: Feed the hate
As much as the LGBTQ community fights against hate, we often have to face hate from those within the community, too. Whether it’s body shaming, ageism, transphobia — Pride has no room for hate. Stay positive, loving, accepting — and don’t feed the haters.
DO: Schedule some downtime
Pride is often a flurry of brunches, parades, events, festivals, concerts, clubs and more! Make sure to schedule some downtime to recuperate. Take a disco nap, rehydrate and then get back to it!
DON’T: Forget the reason for Pride season
Pride is about celebrating diversity, fighting for equality and being proud of who you are. We must never forget that, while we’ve come a long way, we still have a fight ahead of us, a fight for LGBTQ rights, women’s rights and minority rights of all kinds.
Ready for a fun-filled Pride?
We can’t wait to celebrate Pride Month like never before. What other “do's and don’ts” are on your Pride prep list?
