Everyone around the world can celebrate Pride, and if you're looking for ways to celebrate Pride with your partner, you're not alone. While there are events all around the country in the month of June (which is the official month of Pride, chosen to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots that happened in Manhattan), you and your partner might not live close by to a big parade or celebration. While it's definitely worth the travel, as these bigger events totally make you realize what love and life feel like, it's understandable if you can't attend. There are many other ways you can spread the great message of Pride, and join in with the community, regardless of your own sexual orientation.
Pride celebrations have definitely changed a lot in recent years. Marches used to be based on protest, with the first happening in New York to commemorate the anniversary of the aforementioned Stonewall riots. They helped give a face to the LGBT community. These days, the parades are filled with a bit more glee. Many march proudly, showing that nobody should feel like an outcast for how they identify. The parades and events are lively, wonderful celebrations that community members and allies should all try to attend at least once in their lives. Luckily, there are many other ways that you and your partner can show some Pride-related pride if you can't check out the big events this year.
Here are a few ways that the two of you can celebrate such an important month.
1. Make a donation together
A lot of LGBT organizations depend on donations to keep on running, and keep these activities going. You can locate a local organization in your hometown that fights for LGBT rights, or you can choose to support a cause that directly reaches youths and adults throughout the United States. A few good ones are the It Gets Better Project, which tries to eliminate harassment and shame that many LGBT teens face, CenterLink, which supports LGBT-based community centers, and the National LGBTQ Task Force, which tries to break discrimination barriers.
2. Bake some treats
And hey, if you have any left over, you can distribute them throughout your neighborhood to spread some Pride awareness. There's a good chance you've been pining over rainbow cakes, such as this one from The Little Epicurean. Site owner (and excellent baker) Maryanne Cabrera was actually inspired to make this cake after celebrating the moment when California overturned Proposition 8. Baking with your partner is a perfect way to spend time together, acknowledge Pride, and have an amazing dessert, all in one.
3. Co-host a Pride party
Have some friends over for food, and tell them to dress in their Pride best. You can even make it beneficial, by asking friends to chip in to make a group donation to the LGBT organization of your choice.
But, let's get back to the food for a second. These rainbow Jell-O squares from Mom on Time Out would be the perfect snack for a large group. Drink, dance, be merry, and celebrate the fact that the two of you know so many open-minded, loving individuals.
4. Marathon the best of the best LGBTQ movies
Many are available streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, but others can be purchased for a low price. Here are a few of the best titles you should be on the lookout for: Milk, Transamerica, Boys Don't Cry, But I'm A Cheerleader, and Behind The Candelabra. Of course there are many, many more. Your movie night might just span the entire month of June, and pour over into July and August.
5. Or, check out a few TV shows, if that's more your thing
Movies are great, but television shows can truly suck you in. If it's a marathon you're after, check out LGBT-friendly shows like Orange Is The New Black, Modern Family, Glee, The L Word, and Queer As Folk. Television has come a long way in terms of LGBT rights. It seems like only yesterday, Ellen DeGeneres came out on an episode of Ellen. While her coming out episode got incredibly high viewership ratings, the show was cancelled shortly afterward. Thankfully, we've come a long, long way since.
6. Buy some amazing merchandise for each other, to celebrate year round
The two of you can pick out Pride-worthy t-shirts for each other that'll last awhile. That way, you can spread the message year-round, and it'll be a fun gift you can give each other. LGBTshirts.com has a crazy-amazing selection, so you'll have a lot to choose from. And hey, if the two of you own a pet together, there's no reason why they can't get some fresh, fun apparel as well.
7. Volunteer together
Volunteering is an amazing activity to do in pairs, since not only will you get to spend some time together, but you'll be making a difference. Look up some local LGBT-related, or LGBT-friendly organizations that can use a helping hand, and donate some time. Who knows? You might have so much fun, or feel really good about the message that the organization is spreading, that the two of you will become regulars. It's also a great way to meet some inspiring people, and perhaps expand your group of friends.
8. Go out to a gay club together
After such a terrible thing happened in Orlando, it's important to keep supporting these venues. It sends a message that we're not afraid. We're not letting one awful human wreck the spirit and liveliness of these places. If you're not into clubbing, you can still show support by giving some money to the victims of Pulse. This money will help the numerous families of the victims, and truly make a difference.
Image Credits: The Little Epicurean, LGBTshirts.com/GLBTshirts.com, Getty Images (3)
