Pride Month is the time of the year where members of the LGBTQ community come together to share their stories and meet people like them. Every June, sights of rainbow flags and bright personalities appear, proclaiming messages of love and peace. The progress for this freedom of expression among the LGBTQ communitys took many years, and many could argue that their fight is not over.

In June 1969, the Stonewall Riots broke out, being the largest movement against homophobia at that time. This event was violent, but showed the strength of the community and their will to fight for change.

In modern days, we have reached a more accepting America which allows people to be able to publically celebrate Pride through parties, parades, and various other activities that show individuality. So, if you are looking for the best ways to show your support, here are some things you can do.

Attend a Pride Parade

Since the Pride Movement began, parades have been a large part of the celebration. Here, you can find plenty of amazing people and see plenty of them express themselves, whether it be through dance, song, or music. People dance, cheer, and celebrate because being equal is the only thing on everyone’s minds.

Many cities hold these parades, while smaller towns usually hold events. These are some of the events happening in New Jersey this month:

• June 9- Pride Parade
• June 11- Jersey Gay Pride 22

Participate in a Pride Festival

Pride festivals also attract a lot of people, and usually consist of live music and crafts. Here, many different people show off their talents while showing their support.

There will be a Pride Fest in Atlantic City on June 10, and there are many more coming up soon in our state, including:

• June 12- North Jersey Pride Festival
• June 11- Montclair Pride Festival

Read LGBT Literature

Many amazing authors are often showcased this month for their efforts to bring more LGBTQ representation through literary means. ACIT’s own media specialist, Mrs. Amy Ojserkis, recommends these titles for those who are interested in pride works:

Red, White, and Royal Blue (Casey McQuiston, 2019). This fiction novel follows a character who is the son of the President of the United States and his relationship with the Prince of Britain. Winning multiple awards, it has been flooded with positive reviews and stands as a great romance novel.

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me (Mariko Tamaki, 2019). This graphic novel is about the main character’s struggle with her on-and-off-again relationship with a girl named Laura Dean. Also being an award winning novel, it has grown in popularity for not only its amazing art (by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell), but its realistic struggle.

If I Was Your Girl (Meredith Russo, 2016). This novel is about a girl who goes to a new school and falls in love with a boy, though she is hiding a secret from him. Covering gender identity, this book has a lot to offer the reader and connects them to the struggles that transgender teens truly go through. Being highly rated by many, this novel is a must read.

Learn About the History

The best way to understand pride and connect better with members of the LGBT community is through education. Learn the history of the movement. Through the years many people have fought and even lost their lives for the right to be who they are.

Celebration isn’t because they want to have an excuse to party; it is because they have pushed so long for the freedom to do so. Since they have pushed for the right to express themselves, this month is their time to do so.

With our generation gravitating toward visual learning perhaps more than any other generation before us, consider educating yourself through visually appealing articles and the many video documentaries that are out there on paid and free streaming platforms. Here are some to get you started:

What is Pride Month and the History of Pride? (Matt Baume, 2020)

Stonewall Uprising (2010 PBS documentary, available on Amazon Prime)

History of Pride (History Canada, 2018)

Respect Everyone

By educating yourself about the struggles and meaning of pride, you will be able to see what people of the community went through to deserve this month to shine. The biggest thing that leads to hate towards people who are LGBT is ignorance. Those who know nothing tend to have the most prejudice. With more knowledge, the world could become a better and safer place for everyone.

Even if celebration isn’t your thing, the best thing to do this Pride Month is to make the effort to respect everyone. Pride is the time for people to celebrate their differences and be themselves. Even if you think you won’t fit in, everyone is accepted if they all are down to support.

Happy Pride and remember, love is love!