7 Things Everyone Needs to Be Conscious of at Pride

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7 Things Everyone Needs to Be Conscious of at Pride

Pride Month is as much a time for celebration as it is for protest. In order for all members of the LGBT community to have a meaningful Pride, there are certain things that all of us need to be aware of while attending all the festivals and marches. Here are 7 of those things!

1. The history of Pride

The 1969 riot at Stonewall is the reason why we celebrate Pride every year. Pride comes from a place of suffering, oppression, and police brutality. Pride was first and foremost a protest, and it continues to be to this day. We wouldn’t have Pride parades now without the activism of people like Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender, bisexual, woman of color.

2. Body-shaming

While there will be a plethora of shirtless hunks with abs and ass for days, remember that isn’t all of us. We should all feel accepted and embraced regardless of how many abs we have showing. We shouldn’t in any way shame or bully others for not having the ideal, masculine physique.

3. People in opposite-sex relationships may not be straight

Bisexual, pansexual, and asexual members of the community deserve to celebrate and be at Pride too. So even though they may appear as being in a "straight relationship," (I hate this phrase and you should never use it!) these people are equally part of the queer community.

4. Allies are allowed to celebrate too

There will also be straight allies at Pride. People celebrating their queer family members and friends. Or people who simply aren’t bigots and want to show their support. We shouldn’t shame them for supporting the LGBT community as long as they are doing so respectfully. We need the support of our straight allies.

5. Consent before touching

Even though people may indeed be wearing skimpy outfits, the doesn’t give you a right to touch their bodies without consent. Always ask before touching someone. Pride is no exception.

6. Transgender, asexual, bisexual, pansexual, and gender non-binary people deserve a space at Pride, just as much as gay men

Louder for the people in the back! We aren’t the gay community. We are the LGBTQIA+ community. People of different sexual orientations and genders deserve to be at Pride just as much as gay men and lesbians.

7. Pride means different things to everyone

And that’s okay! There’s no one right way to celebrate Pride. Some folks like to march and protest in the streets. Others like to celebrate by partying with friends. We are a diverse community and Pride means something different (and beautiful) to all of us.