Personal Pride
Bursting Through Knowledge and Power
Soon, the calendar will turn from the madhouse of May to the mayhem of June. A new month prompts my brain to scan for the big things I don’t want to get lost in the weeks ahead.
I will recognize Father’s Day and a few special birthdays, but will let National Rocky Road and Hug Your Cat Days slip by. I plan to attend at least one Juneteenth event and celebrate Pride month in my own way.
There have been different types of energy and chatter around Pride month this year. Everything that acknowledges and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion in the United States under the MAGA regime has been impacted in some way, and Pride is no exception.
Major Pride events in New York City, Seattle, San Francisco, and Minnesota’s Twin Cities face financial challenges as major corporations like Mastercard, Pepsi, Anheuser-Busch, and Comcast have decided not to contribute financially or participate in any organized manner. What that means to these cities and Pride events around the country will be left up to each city’s organizers.
Regardless of the national dialogue, Bursting Through encourages you to celebrate your Pride your way. LGBTQ+ Pride is not exclusive to the Queer Community or June. For many, Pride month is an important part of the Allyship experience. It does not require attending a parade, flying a Pride flag, or wearing a Pride shirt, but feeling seen, included, and empowered.
Overt actions are fantastic and important to those who feel moved to take them, but they are not the only way Active Allyship can show up. Bursting Through’s foundation is deeply rooted in the idea that there is no wrong way to be an LGBTQ+ Ally when there is love in your heart. That mantra is especially important during Pride month.
If you have ever been made to feel like you were or are doing Allyship or Pride “wrong”, Bursting Through is here to erase that and let you know you are not alone. I have learned directly from Bursting Through Messengers and Storytellers that Allyship feels, looks, and acts differently for everyone.
Just because Pride month commemorates the infamous 1969 Stonewall Riots and has led to the saying Pride is a riot, doesn’t mean everyone has to celebrate in a raucous fashion. Like other events celebrated throughout the year, you should observe Pride your way.
Some people will fly a Pride flag on their house, wrap their truck tailgate with a rainbow magnet, and wear a Proud Parent t-shirt each day of the month. These are likely the same people who have front yard inflatables ranging from Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer to a Lucky Leprechaun and a closet full of seasonal shirts and hats.
These adornment energy people are awesome, but sometimes have a way of making us question our commitment. You shouldn’t feel compelled to do anything more than tap into your inner Ally and find what’s in your heart and do whatever feels right for you during Pride .
Whether you feel like parades, festivals, and public celebrations, something more private, or both, here are a few suggestions and ways to embrace your Personal Pride.
Find a Pride Parade, festival, or event near you using the Gay Pride Calendar.
Text or call your LGBTQ+ loved ones to let them know you celebrate them in June and always. Maybe event grab dinner, a cup of coffee, or ice cream to celebrate your relationship.
Read a book with LGBTQ+ content or from an LGBTQ+ author that is on the banned book list.
Host a movie night featuring an LGBTQ+ themed film. If you like classics, check out The Children’s Hour. If you want something more current, check out Lover of Men.
Donated to underfunded organizations doing important work with LGBTQ+ youths, like The Trevor Project.
Whatever comes from your heart and feels right to you.
Please let me know what Personal Pride looks like for you in the chat.
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