Marches and parades may be canceled for this year’s pride month, but that does not mean we’re not celebrating! As COVID-19 continues to spread and protests for Black Lives Matter prevail, it may seem like pride month is being overlooked. However, if you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or want to stand in solidarity, do not be discouraged! Pride month will simply be celebrated in a new and unique way!
Firstly, there are MANY virtual pride events coming up.
Global Pride
On Saturday, June 27th, beginning at 10:30 a.m, there will be a worldwide 24 hour live stream of performances, speeches and music in support of the LGBTQ community. Hundreds of organizations, celebrities and public figures will participate in Global Pride, ensuring that the LGBTQ community receives the recognition and support they deserve.
With 7 days to go until #GlobalPride 2020 streams to the entire world, we can today confirm the official start time of our historic global broadcast. Beginning at 5pm NZST and airing for a full 24 hours, check out this handy graphic to see when we begin airing in your timezone. pic.twitter.com/xlud98M1VE
— Global Pride 2020 (@GlobalPride2020) June 20, 2020
Can’t Cancel Pride
On Thursday, June 25th at 9 p.m iHeartRadio and P&G are hosting a livestream relief benefit for L.G.B.T.Q. organizations. The livestream will include inspirational voices and performances from public figures such as Sia, Katy Perry and Big Freedia. Tune in and help iHeartRadio and P&G’s goal of raising 5 million dollars in support of the LGBTQ+ Community. No matter where you are, you can celebrate pride month!
“You can be an isolated kid in the small rural town in Mississippi or you could be in Eastern Europe or you can be in a country where it’s illegal to be L.G.B.T.Q.,” she said. “All you need is an internet connection.” -Cathy Renna, the interim communications director for the National LGBTQ Task Force
For a more extensive list of virtual celebrations and events click here!
Donate to LGBTQ Organizations
One of the most effective ways to support the LGBTQ+ pride is simply to donate to organizations around the country fighting to protect and empower LGBTQ+ community. In order to increase the scale and impact of these queer organizations, we need to fund them! Especially due to COVID-19, members of the LGBTQ+ community have been disproporitantely impacted, further marginalizing them socially and economically. If you have the means, help fund LGBTQ Organizations!
Here is a list of 14 black-led organizations to donate to!
Support Queer and Trans Owned Businesses
Another very impactful way to celebrate pride month is to support queer-owned businesses and brands! This is an easy way to directly show your support for the LGBTQ+ community. Here is a list of queer businesses to promote this pride month. However, you are not limited to this list, there are thousands of businesses and brands to support!
Educate Yourself
In order to stand in solidarity with members of the queer and trans community, you have to educate yourself! LGBTQ+ members have faced and continue to face inequality in all aspects of life including the workplace, housing, homelessness, prison systems and simply everyday tasks. On top of inequality, trans and queer people face disproportiante amounts of abuse and violence. This year alone we have already seen far too many transgender or gender non-conforming people fatally shot or killed.
It is SO important to stand in solidarity by educating yourself on how to effectively help create equality for queer and trans people. Remember, as an ally, we should always make it a priority to recognize discrimination and show support for members of the LGBTQ+ community!
Here are a few books on Black Trans Rights that Black LGBTQ leaders reccommend!
Check out five informative podcasts as well!
All in all, no one can tell you how to celebrate pride month, as it is up to you to determine how best you express yourself! Happy Pride Month!!
