10 Ideas for Pride for Everyone 2023 Edition
Updated: May 30
As I started to write this piece, my Spotify playlist began playing Xanadu, and I hope it transports you to that magical place. I think that’s the universe’s idea of fun!!
I wanted to take a moment to write a piece for my 2SLGBTQIA+ sisters, brothers, and siblings. That doesn’t mean those readers who are not LGBTQ+ or allies can skip this one; there is always a lesson in Acceptance in every post.
What’s the story, it’s May 2023, and Pride celebrations around the globe will be kicking off soon. Now more than ever, our history starting as far back as 1959 at Cooper Do-nuts cafe in Los Angeles, which is before the famous 1969 Stonewall riots in new york city, rings true as protests as some folks from christian nationalist stages talk about making us disappear using terms such as annihilation. These same nationalist movements I have seen these same forces pop up in Canada, the UK, and elsewhere around the globe as well, with members of the UK cabinet appearing at a major event here in the UK.
Here are some other notable protests that took place before the Stonewall riots:
1965: A group of gay men and lesbians picketed the Whitehall Street Induction Center in New York City to protest the military's ban on gay people.
1966: A group of gay men and lesbians picketed a lecture by a psychoanalyst who was espousing the model of homosexuality as a mental illness.
1966: A group of gay men and lesbians held a costume party at California Hall in San Francisco to raise money for the Mattachine Society, one of the first gay rights organizations in the United States.
1967: A group of gay men and lesbians rioted at Compton's Cafeteria in San Francisco after police raided the cafe.
Pride teaches everyone to be proud of who they are, regardless of gender, sexuality, identity, presentation or fluidity in any of those aspects of your identity. That even includes "cisgender" and “straight” folks.
I remember the journey from “straight” to “queer” (my preferred term, although not everyone likes it as it has a history of hate that I am trying to overcome by taking ownership of the word.)
It was never a journey taken lightly; after all, I was around in the ’80s when AIDS and HIV became front-page news, and I remember with shame now on my response back then when I thought I was a “straight” person, I was not accepting! I apologize to everyone for the words, hurt and behaviour at that time; I know better now.
I recall my first Pride; I was a newbie, a baby trans person, just coming out in February, and here it was May/June, and I was going to celebrate the new me!!
Have you ever had a situation like that, perhaps due to weight loss, lifestyle change, a makeover, buying a new home, career advancement or other life events where you were so joyous you wanted to shout it from the rooftops? Even if not precisely, the feeling inside you was exploding with Joy. However, I would argue that posting on social media is shouting it from the rooftops these days.
That joyous feeling is tenfold when you go through the arduous journey to acknowledge you are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ family.
Why’s it arduous? How much shame do you encounter when you buy a new home, experience career advancement, or lose weight? I suspect there is very6 little if any for those life events. Yet, when you truly become authentic and acknowledge your gender, sexuality, and identity even after being who everyone wanted you to be for 50 years, there is a societal shame that comes with that because society doesn’t understand rather than accept you as a human being.
It doesn’t help when societal change is affected by world leaders and religious groups on the political right who work to exclude anyone not like them, and we have had a tidal wave of change, hate, and persecution. You could say, It's of epidemic proportions. We have seen this same rhetoric and false narrative happening in;
The United States
Brazil
Poland
Hungary
India
Russia
Turkey
Israel
Nigeria
Mexico
UK
Uganda
Of course, if that's not the news you normally follow as it doesn't impact you, then it won't be front-page news for you that folks are losing hard-earned human rights.
That’s why this year that Pride means so much. Thankfully it's not persecution when everyone gets treated the same, except this year, some of our global family face the drag bans we hear about, which impact the amazing performance artists that do drag. Thankfully drag is part of British culture with pantos. Although those that would argue against allowing these events in their communities have been supported by calls for white Pride and straight Pride in these last few years. Yes, we are fighting nazi ideology again!
When societal expectations force you through threats of unemployment, lack of housing, or preventing you from receiving lifesaving health care just because of how you identify or whom you love, to hide who you are. All fundamental first-layer survival issues of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs threaten your very existence.
While others can celebrate their accomplishments and walk down the high street holding hands with their soul mate without fear of being assaulted, the need for an event such as Pride is of greatest need.
My dear siblings, what do we do?
Here is a list of 10 ideas for you to consider;
Now is an excellent time for glitter!! Feel free to use it sparingly or in abundance as you see fit. Everything looks better with glitter. I travel with the MAC Cosmetics 2019 Pride Glitter pack.
Read some great 2SLGBTQIA+ literature, and there are many excellent writers and stories, both serious, fun, and erotic, to select from.
Listen to some great music playlists from past Pride celebrations on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Of course, every list must include I am coming out and YMCA, to name a few.
Wear some pride colours, add them to an outfit, or wear an accessory during your next Zoom meeting. I have my Rainbow headband for June that I carry with me.
Have virtual Pride celebrations where in-person isn't safe. At least we can still celebrate together.
Send notes electronically or on paper to others to let them know you are thinking of them during this time; if you’re an ally, send them a note of support.
Make rainbows if you don’t have them already (I know many of you do have them already), and put them around your personal space to celebrate you!
Write a post as I have, and share your Pride!
Be you and dance!! The best celebrations always involve dance when I am in the community, and we have so much great music to celebrate!!!
Attend your local Pride events, and support the community through participation. It also helps remind you that we are not alone.
I drafted this list in just a few minutes. I know this community is millions strong, and we are highly creative. Use that creativity and create your list of 10 ideas to celebrate and recognize Pride and yourself this month.
Happy Pride!!
With Love and Hugs in Pride
Cynthia