Simple Ways to Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride All Year Round

Celebrate LGBTQ+ people with these inclusive ideas, supportive actions, and everyday practices that embrace the essence of Pride all year round.

Pride Month is a wonderful introduction to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities, offering a vibrant and inclusive platform for visibility and awareness. It commemorates the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and highlights ongoing struggles for equality. Parades, events, and educational programs foster understanding, acceptance, and solidarity, promoting a sense of belonging—which does not have to end once June is over.

Showing support and educating the broader public on diverse identities and experiences can and should be done all year round. True allyship and advocacy are not restricted to a date on a calendar; we can all celebrate love and individuality that strengthen community bonds every single day!

Why Continuous Support for LGBTQ+ People Matters

Beyond Pride Month, LGBTQ+ individuals and their communities face ongoing challenges, including discrimination, mental health issues, and a lack of legal protections. Consistent support helps address these issues by providing the necessary resources and assistance. It fosters safer environments in schools, workplaces, and communities, promoting mental well-being and reducing the risk of isolation and harm.

Additionally, this kind of support is crucial now more than ever due to escalating political attacks and legislative efforts targeting LGBTQ+ rights. In recent years within the United States, for example, but also around the world, there has been a surge in discriminatory legislation, including restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare and bans on discussing LGBTQ+ topics in schools. Such actions not only undermine the progress made in equality and acceptance but also endanger the mental and physical well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Continuous support combats these negative impacts, promotes resilience, and nurtures an inclusive society where everyone can live authentically and safely. By standing in solidarity year-round, we affirm that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.

Simple, Everyday Ways To Show Our Support for LGBTQ+ Communities

Sometimes the smallest of gestures can have the biggest impact, particularly if they are carried out or demonstrated in an uncompromising and persistent way. Leading with love, compassion, and understanding that celebrates the existence of LGBTQ+ people, while also doing something to protect and promote their equitable rights is one of the best things we can do as allies. Here are some really simple but very effective ways to do that:

Important Note: The following information may not be available in a particular country or region. To find specific resources where you live, I’d recommend looking in local directories or online for something more accessible.

Get into the Habit of Honouring Preferred Pronouns

Correctly use someone’s chosen pronouns and display our own in emails, social media biographies, and other places where we share information about ourselves. Not only does this show respect for the gender identity of those within LGBTQ+ communities, it’s a simple way to demonstrate solidarity.

Remember To Highlight and Share Positive LGBTQ+ News

It can be very affirming to recognise when valuable progress has been made, especially if it brings attention and awareness to social justice initiatives that have succeeded in securing rights and protections. This does not mean we should shy away from sharing the struggles and continued attacks on LGBTQ+ communities, but it can help serve as a reminder that the work being done around the world to uphold the human rights of all LGBTQ+ people is making a difference.

Support the Work of Important LGBTQ+ Rights Groups

There are many organisations in different countries around the world that work effectively to protect and uphold the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Raising awareness about what they do and assisting them through donations of time, money, or resources will help promote and improve their causes and initiatives. Examples of groups known to operate globally include:

• International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA)

• Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

• Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)

• Rainbow Railroad

• OutRight International

Take Action for LGBTQ+ Rights in a Variety of Ways

Clearly demonstrating our unwavering commitment to important causes is how we become more effective allies. This involves educating ourselves and others about crucial LGBTQ+ issues, advocating for inclusive policies, participating in events such as Pride marches and protests, and using our voices to challenge discrimination. Additionally, voting for pro-equality candidates and contributing to the creation of safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals are essential steps. Whatever we choose to do, we should do it with enthusiasm and resolve.

Buy From and Promote LGBTQ+ Owned Brands and Businesses

Major big-box retailers often bring out Pride Month merchandise, which can be an accessible option, but they do not always stand in unwavering solidarity with the people they claim to champion. Smaller or more independent LGBTQ+-owned and operated businesses deserve our patronage (a quick online search will yield many results). For example, we could purchase various items from:

• Automic Gold – minimalist fine jewellery made from reclaimed gold

• Queer Candle Company – small batch soy wax candles made with authentic, non-toxic fragrances

• Darling Spring – designer homeware that explores slow living, good design, and female creativity

• Wildfang – an apparel company that rethinks gender norms in fashion

• Pika Pika – condiments, spreads and treats that celebrate Filipino flavours

Discover, Celebrate and Read Books by LGBTQ+ Authors

We can learn a lot from and be uplifted by diverse voices that promote representation and cultivate understanding. Works written by LGBTQ+ people offer authentic perspectives, enrich the literary landscape and provide visibility for a more diverse range of experiences. Some exceptional writers to have on our bookshelves include:

• Nina LaCour (We Are Okay, Watch Over Me)

• Ocean Vuong (On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous, Time Is a Mother)

• Santiago Jose Sanchez (Hombrecito)

• Inga Simpson (The Last Woman in the World, Willowman)

• Rivers Solomon (The Deep, Sorrowland)

Make a Point of Listening to LGBTQ+ Podcasts

Listen to LGBTQ+ podcasts and podcasters who can entertain, enlighten, and share valuable life insights that connect us all. Regularly following voices that offer unique perspectives can help challenge stereotypes and provide valuable insights into LGBTQ+ culture, history, and issues. Supporting these creators promotes inclusivity, enriches our knowledge, and helps build a more accepting society. Enjoy listening to:

• LGBTQ&A (hosted by Jeffrey Masters) – weekly interviews with interesting LGBTQ+ people

• Bad Queers (hosted by Kris Chesson and Shana Sumers) – discussions about breaking stereotypes and the diversity of queer identities

• Making Gay History (hosted by Eric Marcus) – rare archival interviews and intimate, personal portraits of both known and long-forgotten champions, heroes, and witnesses to history

• Keeping It Queer (hosted by Navin Noronha and Farhad Karkaria) – a look at everything from laws and pop culture to queer lives and myths surrounding being different

• Getting Curious (hosted by Jonathan Van Ness) – fascinating interviews with various experts and people of interest, including activists, celebrities, historians, and scientists

Enjoy the Awesome Talents of LGBTQ+ Musical Artists

Stream, download, buy, and add songs to playlists from a range of incredible LGBTQ+ chart-topping musicians and singers. There is literally an abundance of gifted creatives to pick from—a quick search online will show many examples in a vast range of genres. Some particularly brilliant people to follow include:

• Sam Smith (pop, dance, R&B, and soul)

• Janelle Monáe (Afrofuturist, funk, R&B, and soul)

• Britanny Howard (alternative, indie, roots rock, and Americana)

• Véyah (pop, R&B, and soul)

• Angie McMahon (alternative, indie, and folk)

Watch Movies and TV Shows That Feature LGBTQ+ Stories

Where possible, try to find movies, documentaries, and television series that not only tell LGBTQ+ stories but also star actors from those communities. Doing this is crucial for authentic representation, visibility, and validation of diverse experiences. It fosters understanding, breaks stereotypes, and supports LGBTQ+ artists. Some great things to buy, rent, or stream include:

• Pose – a drama TV series following New York ball culture and the gay and trans community in the 1980s, starring Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Indya Moore, and Dominique Jackson (among many other wonderful actors)

• Heartstopper – a romantic coming-of-age TV series, starring Joe Locke, Kit Connor, and Yasmin Finney

• Rustin – a documentary drama film about gay civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, starring Colman Domingo

• Spoiler Alert – a romantic comedy-drama film based on Michael Ausiello’s memoir, starring Jim Parsons

• Love Lies Bleeding – a romantic thriller film coming out this year, starring Kristin Stewart and Katy O’Brian

Appreciate and Support the Work of LGBTQ+ Visual Artists

Art, in all its forms, speaks to us in many different ways, and the people who create it often have something deeply valuable to share. Learning about LGBTQ+ visual artists and the unique perspectives they offer enriches cultural understanding, promotes empathy, and amplifies underrepresented voices. Anything that contributes to a more diverse and equitable artistic landscape is worth exploring. Whenever possible, we should attend exhibitions, installations, and performances, purchase artwork or prints, and share information on how others can do the same. Some significant artists to follow include:

• Zanele Muholi – a visual activist known for photography and video installations

• Elmgreen & Dragset – a sculpture and installation duo that explores architecture, design, and performance

• Chitra Ganesh – a visual artist specialising in photography, wall murals, digital collages, charcoal drawing, and films

• Mickalene Thomas – a visual artist who creates works using enamel, acrylics, and rhinestones

• Demian DinéYazhi’ – a multidisciplinary artist known for photography, sculpture, street art, fabric work, and video/performance installations

In Summary

Discovering ways to show our support for LGBTQ+ people throughout the year does not require grand gestures—simple actions can make a significant impact. From attending Pride events and educating ourselves on LGBTQ+ issues to using inclusive language and supporting LGBTQ+-owned businesses, consistent advocacy fosters acceptance and equality.

Listening to and uplifting LGBTQ+ voices celebrates diverse identities and promotes visibility through our social media and everyday conversations. By embracing these straightforward yet powerful actions, individuals can contribute to creating a more affirming world for LGBTQ+ individuals to live in every day.

What do you do throughout the year to embrace LGBTQ+ people? What have you done during Pride Month to show your encouragement and support?

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Further Info:

20+ LGBTQ+ Icons You Should Talk To Your Children About – Lesbemums

Pride in Action – The Trevor Project