Pride is officially here!
Whether you’re returning to Pride festivals this year (virtually or the real thing), donating or celebrating another way, we’ve put together the ultimate guide on how to support Pride Month 2021.
Whether you’re a fellow member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally just like us, there are a number of ways you can show your support for one of the biggest months on our calendars. Our LGBTQ+ community deserves all the love and support in the world, and we’re here to give it to them.
How to Support Pride Month
From donating to LGBTQ+ charities to researching the history behind the event, there are a number of ways you can show support that your Female Family and Loungers worldwide will greatly appreciate.
Here’s how to show support for Pride Month, totally inspired by us.
1. Be An Ally
If you’re not a part of the LGBTQ+ community, that doesn’t mean you can’t get involved. Use this opportunity to express your support to your friends, family, coworkers and other LGBTQ+ people in your life. Whether it's joining them at a virtual or in-person festival, asking them which charities you can donate to or supporting LGBTQ+ owned businesses with them, they’ll certainly appreciate it. Besides, a lot of love goes a long way.
It’s all about showing support and simply standing up for what is right!
2. Educate yourself
Pride Month is widely thought of as a celebration in commemoration of the gay liberation Stonewall Riots that took place in 1969. If you want to show support, educating yourself is one of the best ways you can do this. Pride is all about recognising the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and everything they have sacrificed to be true to themselves. Oh, and having a hell of a lot of fun in the process, of course!
3. Be Inclusive
Sadly, we live in a world where the LGBTQ+ community still isn’t wholly accepted, but you, along with our growing community of Loungers worldwide, can help change that. To show your support, make an extra effort to include queer people in your life. And believe us - they’ll make it a whole lot better and brighter!
There are so many resources out there on LGBTQ+ history from books, movies, to guides and documentaries.
Learning about the history of Pride and the LGBTQ+ community, culture and the movement in itself, will show that you’re making a conscious effort to learn about something which has impacted the lives of so many. It’s time to put that Netflix subscription to good use.
4. Don't Stereotype
As with a lot of things, stereotyping is never the way forward. It’s important to remember that there are so many facets to the LGBTQ+ community. The world simply isn’t as black and white as gay and straight with there being all kinds of sexualities and gender identities. These are the things that make our world so interesting, and our people so unique. Don’t put everyone in the same box or assume that all people in a certain group act, think or feel the same as someone else. This is one of the biggest ways you can show support for Pride Month.
5. Don't Pressure People into 'Coming Out'
Whilst a lot of people use Pride Month as an opportunity to reveal their sexuality, you should never pressure someone into doing this. Saying things like, “Maybe you should come out this Pride” can make people feel under pressure and on edge and besides, they should be able to come out when they feel like they can, not when they’re being told to.
Instead, be there to listen to them and reassure them that everything will be okay and even if some people don’t stick by their side, you always will.
LGBTQ+ Charities To Donate To
Want to support your fellow LGBTq+ Loungers even more? Well, now you can.
We’ve put together a few charities that you can donate to this Pride Month with a small overview of their mission and what they do. You’re welcome.
STONEWALL
Stonewall is one of the biggest LGBTQ+ charities out there and is named after the famous 1969 riots in New York. Stonewall work towards one mission, to “let all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, here and abroad, know they’re not alone.” The charity does this by empowering individuals to change and protect laws.
MIND LGBTQ+
Mind is a big charity in the UK, so no doubt, you’ve probably heard of it. However, the UK based charity also has a specific department dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community known as Mind LGBTQ+ and we’re so here for it. The charity is dedicated to offering advice, support and guidance for LGBTQ+ members who are struggling with their mental health.
The charity has identified that “Those of us who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to experience a mental health problem than the wider population. This is because because LGBTQ+ people experience bullying, rejection, stigma and discrimination which too often lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and isolation.”
THE KALEIDOSCOPE TRUST
The Kaleidoscope Trust charity works to support the human rights of LGBTQ+ people worldwide. The charity works closely with government ministers and lobbyists to implement real change in countries where people often face persecution due to their sexuality or gender identity.
Pride Month is an incredible time to unite with your LGBTQ+ Loungers worldwide and truly show your support for such an amazing cause, so make sure you get involved!
We’ll be shouting loud from the rooftops all Pride Month with guides on how to embrace your sexuality and identity, stellar features from members of our Lounge family and more!
Make sure you keep updated with us on our socials and keep checking back in for more Pride worthy content all month long.
It’s time to #LoungeWithPride.