Pride in July: My Way and My Why

Every year, I host “Pride in July,” an event that has become a cherished tradition among my friends and family. This gathering is more than just a rainbow-themed party. It’s a vibrant mix of love, solidarity, and joy that fills every corner of my home. The aroma of freshly baked treats mingles with the scent of summer flowers, and the table is laden with brightly colored food that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Streamers and decorations in every shade of the rainbow flutter in the gentle breeze, while music pulses through the air, wrapping us in its uplifting embrace. We nourish not just our bellies but our souls.

Surrounded by my people, I feel a profound sense of belonging and warmth. The laughter and conversations create a symphony of connection, reminding me of the strength we find in community. At some point during every party, I find myself just looking around the room and smiling, beaming from the joy that community and belonging brings me. It’s a reminder that this feeling escapes so many queer people, and this is the feeling we are working to create in the world. We come together not just to celebrate but to recharge our spirits, reflect on our journeys, and recommit to supporting each other and advancing our shared cause- liberation for all.

One of my favorite highlights of our celebration is the craft activity we include every year. These crafts are not just fun and creative; they embody the spirit of “art as activism.” Last year, we made beautiful, hand-painted fans that not only kept us cool in the summer heat but also served as symbols of our solidarity. Each fan was adorned with messages of love, pride, and resistance, reminding us of the power of our collective voice. For so many people, our dream space has been stolen from us, and art gives us permission to dream again. Art sparks our imagination, empowering us to challenge existing inequitable systems and dream of a new liberated future.

Amidst the laughter and joy, we take time to plan how we will use our gifts and talents to advance rights throughout the year. Whether it’s organizing local events, supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses, or advocating for policy changes, we make concrete plans to continue the fight for equality and visibility beyond the summer months.

Beyond Pride: The Fight and Visibility Continue

Pride is not confined to June. The struggle for rights and visibility is a continuous journey that requires persistent effort and unwavering commitment. It’s essential to keep the momentum going and to find ways to celebrate and advocate throughout the year. Here are just a few ways you can stay engaged:

1. Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is power. Stay informed about issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community and share this information with others to raise awareness. Learn from people with these marginalized identities, and ensure to pay them for their labor and expertise. Consider using social justice curricula to guide your education journey. You can explore my curriculum to help educate yourself, your family, and the youth in your life. Check out this blog about the power of intersectional learning.
2. Find Your Activism: We all have unique gifts and talents to contribute. Attending events and rallies is just one way to show support. You can also speak up when you hear microaggressions, make food and bring it to organizations in need, attend events as an ally, use your voice to advocate, create art, or write to your congressional representatives. Everyone’s activism can look different, but it all contributes to the cause.
3. Create Inclusive Spaces: Whether it’s at home, work, or in your community, strive to create spaces that are inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Inclusive spaces also mean accessible spaces, especially as we honor July as Disability Pride Month. Creating inclusive spaces can involve policy changes, providing interpreters, hosting educational workshops, or simply fostering a culture of respect and acceptance.
4. Amplify Marginalized Voices: Use your platforms, whether on social media, at work, or in your community, to amplify Queer voices especially those who belong to multiple marginalized groups. #BlackQueerJoy. Share their stories, support their businesses, and highlight their contributions. By bringing more visibility to stories that have been historically silenced, you can help foster a more just and free society.
5. Support LGBTQIA+ Organizations and Businesses: Pride is not merely a holiday but a revolution. And this revolution—this liberation—requires that we work together as a community. Supporting our community means staying engaged and informed about the organizations making a difference all year round. Support them by donating your time, money, or resources. Volunteering can be a fulfilling way to make a difference. Here are a few of the amazing organizations tirelessly to advocate for our rights
   1. One Colorado is a leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for LGBTQIA+ Coloradans and their families. They have been highly instrumental in protecting LGBTQIA+ rights and marriage equality.
   2. The Matthew Shepard Foundation is committed to erasing hate by replacing it with understanding, compassion, and acceptance. I am proud to highlight the curriculum work Lessons-in-Liberation™ is doing in partnership with the foundation to teach youth about Matthew’s legacy. Don’t miss out on the final gala this October, commemorating Matthew Shepard’s legacy as we mark the 15th year since the passing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
   3. Joy As Resistance works tirelessly to support queer youth. Research show us that 39% of Queer young people have seriously considered attempting suicides, and having just 1 affirming adult and safe space literally saves lives. Joy As Resistance provides crucial resources, mentorship, and mental health counseling services for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and their families ensuring young people have a future to thrive in

Let’s Plan Together

Looking for ways to continue celebrating Beyond Pride month? BOOK a Discovery Call with me! Let’s discuss how you can stay engaged and make a difference throughout the year.

Together, we can ensure that the fight for liberation and visibility never stops.