Pride Month: A Spectrum of Ways to Show LGBT Support

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate everyone’s right to love who they love. And with a Supreme Court decision on marriage equality just around the corner, this month's celebrations should be more vibrant than ever. With Pride 2015 events, festivals, campaigns, rallies and more held all across the country, it’s easy and fun to get involved. Here are some ideas to get started.

Attend a Pride Parade

A Pride March or Parade is arguably one of the most fun, boisterous and, of course, colorful processions you’re likely to see, and the biggest cities are full of major festivals and events throughout the month. If you’re not up for world travel, there’s likely an event close to home— click over to Human Right’s Campaign (HRC)’s Pride event listing for happenings near you.

New York City June 23-28: Sao Paulo, Brazil may have grabbed the headline as the Guinness World Records as the largest Pride Parade in the world, but there’s no topping NYC’s place in LGBT history. NYC Pride boasts a week of events, culminating in a massive march and dance party on the pier— where you might just spot Whoopee Goldberg or Cher getting funky. And really, who else celebrates like NYC?

San Francisco June 27-28: The west coast capital of the LGBT community, San Francisco is a vibrant epicenter of creativity. 2015 is the 45^th anniversary of San Francisco Pride, and with over 200 parade groups, 300 exhibitors and 20 stages and venues, this is a celebration not to be missed.
 
Toronto, June 19-28: Canada’s hub of cinema, arts, food and music is also an international mixing pot with a thriving urban community. Their event is one of the top arts and culture festivals in the country, and one of the largest Pride events in the world, with around 1.2 million attending. With 10 days of venues, conferences, events, parades and more, there’s something here to entertain and engage every LGBT supporter.

Get Educated and Take Action

Getting down at a parade is fun, but getting fluent with the issue and adding your name to the chorus calling for gay rights really shows your Pride. HRC has a deep and wide-reaching resource on nearly every LGBT topic, from being a supportive ally to ending hate crimes, and making a difference on your local school campus. They also have the latest on the push for marriage equality and a petition calling for a final and positive ruling on same-sex marriage. You can even add your name to support businesses that champion workplace equality.

Just Start Talking About It

When it comes down to it, just talking about LGBT issues with friends and family is a huge part of support and understanding. If we can connect with other people on this issue, we can raise awareness. HRC has a comprehensive guide for “Coming Out as a Supporter,” and Freedom to Marry has an easy way to share their website and start a conversation. HRC and Freedom to Marry also offer avenues for sharing how the fight for gay rights and marriage equality has affected you.

Any way you choose to get involved, Pride 2015 is a celebration not to be missed. Get to a parade, get educated on the issue, make your voice heard and start celebrating love.