June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or not, the idea behind Pride Month is to show solidarity, acceptance, and allyship. The message behind Pride Month is simple: be proud of who you are because who you are matters!
While Pride Week in Buffalo (May 31st-June 5th) may have passed, there are still a number of opportunities to stand with the LGBTQ+ community and make Pride Month 2022 a happy, healthy time for everyone.
Pride Month is held annually in June as a way to remember the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Though as a country, we’ve come a long way in establishing equal rights, as a society, there is still work to be done. Members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face challenges. Through acceptance, understanding, and education, we can bridge the gap.
How to Show Your Support During Pride Month
One of the best ways to show your support for Pride Month is to get educated! Learn the story behind Pride Month and what it stands for. Even more, be aware of the hardships and challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community on a daily basis and listen to their stories. You’ll find they’re people who deserve not just tolerance and respect, but love and acceptance.
Another one of the best-and easiest-ways to show your support for Pride Month is to wear your pride! Whether you choose to wear a rainbow t-shirt, add a Pride filter for your social media profile picture, or stick a sign in your front yard, adorning your presence-physical or digital-is a great way to get behind the messages of inclusivity and acceptance.
In your own community, practice being a good neighbor. Since you don’t know who’s a member of the LGBTQ+ community, treat everyone with the same level of genuine care and respect. Avoid generalizing, stereotyping, and making assumptions. If you hear someone make an offensive remark, don’t be afraid to call them out.
How to Get Involved With Pride Month
From Pride parades to biathlons, there are a number of exciting and fun ways to get involved and support the causes behind Pride Month 2022. For instance, consider donating to or volunteering with a local or national LGBTQ+ charity. Even a small donation goes a long way, and the experience can help you see things from a different perspective!
Outside of donating and volunteering, there are a few fun, exciting events right here in Buffalo that you can take part in to show your support for Pride Month!
Let’s take a look at a few!
WNY Pride 5K
Join the 1st WNY Pride 5K-a virtual event-held all month long to benefit Niagara Pride, Inc. To learn more and register, visit www.WNYPride5K.org!
7th Annual Gay Alliance Blood Drive
Giving blood helps everyone! Show your support Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 from noon to 6 pm at the Board Room on 786 Delaware Ave in Buffalo. For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org.
Niagara Falls Family Fun Pride Day
Join Niagara Pride in bringing Pride to Niagara Falls, NY with the 1st ever Niagara Falls Family Fun Pride Day. Bring your family, friends, or just yourself to this laid-back and fun event designed to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride in Niagara Falls, NY. For more information, visit www.NiagaraPride.org!
Buffalo Strong Pride Biathalon 2022
Join GLYS Western New York as they run, bike, and support a great cause! Learn more and register at www.glyswny.org!
Keep an eye out for more local events right here in our community!
Show Your Pride All Year Long!
Pride Month may end at the conclusion of June 2022, but the messages and ideas behind Pride Month shouldn’t end! While you don’t have to wear your rainbow shirt or fly a flag all year long (even though you can!), it’s more important to continue to be an ally.
That means you should treat every month like it’s Pride Month! Continue to show everyone the same level of respect and genuine care you show them in June and both our community and the world will be a better place!
