This June will be very different for the LGBTQ+ [1] community as cities across the country have cancelled their Pride parades and festivals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But that doesn't mean Pride is cancelled! We will always celebrate, there will always be a party, there's still a community, and there's still a fight for critical civil rights in this country and around the world. The only thing that changes this year is how we'll celebrate. We need Pride and the ability to connect with fellow LGBTQ+ people now more than ever, especially while social distancing. So if you're looking for ways to show your pride this year, here's how to celebrate all month long [2] at home and online, from giving back to LGBTQ+ causes to making Insta-worthy rainbow recipes to attending free streaming events. Show your true colours, spread the love, and remember that you're not alone.
Host a Virtual Happy Hour
So many Pride events revolve around local gay bars that will most likely be closed this year. It's another blow to queer establishments across the country, especially lesbian bars that are on the brink of extinction. Support your local gay bars by ordering takeout (some states are even allowing to-go cocktails!) or get your friends involved and chip in on a group donation or gift card to use at a later date.
While you can't meet up with friends at the bar, you can host a virtual happy hour over Zoom! The Human Rights Campaign created a series of digital backgrounds for Pride [4]. And for drinks, check out this Sour Patch Kids hack that makes the most beautiful rainbow shots you can cheers your friends with.
Make Rainbow Treats
Get in the Pride spirit by making colourful, rainbow-inspired treats. In addition to enjoying all the goodness, this is also a great way to get your family or your kids involved in the celebration. There's just something about rainbow food that makes us happy, from these DIY [5] rainbow swirl bagels to no-bake cheesecake with a Fruity Pebbles crust [6] to an almost-too-pretty-to-eat rainbow grilled cheese.
Work Out For a Cause
With gyms still closed, YouTube has become the go-to for free, at-home workouts. If you're looking for fresh, new sets, bookmark the It Gets Better channel [7] for its "It Gets Better Live Workout" series. The organisation's mission is to "uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe." And its new live-stream series [8] features LGBTQ+ fitness pros leading workouts from their own homes, from The Fitness Marshall to POPSUGAR instructor Jake DuPree [9].
Be a Better Ally
If you're a friend or family member of an LGBTQ+ person, June is a great time to become a better ally. There are small actions you can do — even from home — that make a big difference.
Show your support for transgender friends and family by adding pronouns to your email signature or Instagram bio. Reach out to LGBTQ+ youth centres and shelters and ask to be added to their list of volunteers. You may not be able to volunteer now, but they'll have your info postpandemic. And you can always raise the rainbow flag. Fly it from your home, display a sticker on your water bottle, or add a bumper sticker to your car.
Attend a Virtual Parade or Festival
While there won't be live parades or marches this June, many cities are reimagining Pride with online programming to keep people connected. Cities such as Minneapolis and St. Paul are even doing a virtual Pride parade [10]. And InterPride, the international network of Prides, is hosting a Global Pride [11] event on Saturday, June 27. Nashville, San Diego, and Boston are among the US cities that are members of InterPride, but the Global Pride live stream will include "musical performances, speeches, and key messages from human rights activists" from groups across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, too.