7 WAYS YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL PRIDE MONTH
June is national pride month, and we want to continue to celebrate, embrace and empower the LGBTQIA+ community. Let’s unite together as a community to reinforce the notion that we should all be accepted and loved no matter our race, gender, sexual orientation or background.
The time has to strip away from stereotypes and work towards inclusivity in every area. Below are seven ways you can show up during national pride month and every month here on after.
Attend a Pride parade or virtual event
June is filled with many virtual events, festivals and even concerts. Search what’s happening in your city that you’re able to participate in either in person or online! For happenings in your city, find more here!
Donate or volunteer
Canada plays host to hundreds of LGBTQIA+ charities, including Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, Ten Oaks Project, Rainbow Camp, Calgary Queer Arts Society, and so many more. Learn more about the places you can volunteer and donate to in your community here.
Become an Alley or Advocate
Support those around you by being an open listener, continue to be open-minded and ask questions. Operate with the intention of inclusivity and don’t assume everyone you meet or know is or always will be straight. Shut down anti-LGBTQIA+ jokes that are offensive, abusive and harmful, while confronting your judgements and biases and continue to defend your LGBTQIA+ against discrimination. And finally, believe that all people, no matter what, deserve to feel accepted, loved and treated with dignity and respect.
Educate yourself
Take time to watch, read, and listen to LGBTQIA+ movies, books and podcasts. Some of our favourite flicks include Blue is Warmest Color, Brokeback Mountain, and Call Me By Your Name. Brush on books like We Are Everywhere, Giovanni’s Room and On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. While you’re out on your morning walk, plug into podcasts like Tan France’s Queer Icons, Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness and Homo Sapiens.
Support LGBTQIA+ Business Owners, Artists, Writers & Creators
A great resource to learn about LGBTQIA-owned & friendly businesses is Rainbow Connect! Rainbow Connect offered a directory of LGBTQIA-friendly and owned businesses that you can peruse and engage with!
Follow LGBTQIA Influencers and Creators
Some of our favorites are, of course, our co-collaborator on our LOVED T-shirt, Mr. Fabulous! Other incredible creators include Jordan Damico, Steph Hansen, Lucy Dunne, & Michaela Beck!
Share your story!
Send us a photo of you and answer the question, if you could tell anyone in this world that isn’t feeling accepted, what would it be?
If you have more to add to this list, please shoot us an email at info@locallaundry.ca! We are committed to celebrating and continuing to be inclusive not only during Pride month but every month of the year because, after all, we are LOVED and to show love 365 days of the year!
