JUNE IS BUSTING OUT ALL OVER: PRIDE MONTH 2025 IS HERE
๐LET'S ALL CELEBRATE AND HAVE SOME FUN๐
Ah, June—when the sun shines brighter, the days grow longer, and the rainbow flags flutter high and proud. That’s right, folks, it’s Pride Month! A time for celebration, reflection, and maybe even a little glitter-induced chaos. Whether you're a seasoned parade-goer or a first-time ally, there’s room for everyone at this fabulous party. So grab your most colorful outfit (sequins optional but encouraged), and let’s dive into the glittery world of Pride 2025.
๐A Quick History Lesson (Because Knowing Stuff is Sexy)
Pride didn’t start with corporate-sponsored floats or catchy hashtags—it began with a riot. Picture this: It’s 1969, and the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village is one of the few safe havens for LGBTQ+ folks in New York City. But on June 28, police raided the bar (again), harassing patrons just for existing. This time, though, the community fought back. For five days, they protested, marking the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Fast forward to today: June is officially Pride Month, thanks to proclamations from Presidents Clinton, Obama, and Biden. The Stonewall Inn is now a national monument, and the rainbow flag—originally designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978—waves proudly around the world. Each color on that flag represents something beautiful about life and identity. (Fun fact: The original flag had nine colors. Pink fabric was too hard to source at the time, so it was eventually simplified. Who knew rainbows had supply chain issues?)
๐GLAAD Media Reference Guide – 11th Edition | GLAAD https://glaad.org/reference?
๐What’s Happening This Year?
Pride 2025 is shaping up to be a whirlwind of parades, parties, and protests—because let’s face it, we still have work to do. Here are some highlights:
๐Pride parades 2025: Dates, cities, when to celebrate around the US https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/06/01/pride-month-parades-2025/83880446007/
Chicago: The Windy City Gets Fabulous
Chicago is pulling out all the stops this year. Pride Fest on June 21-22 promises something for everyone: performances by Jesse McCartney and Deborah Cox (yes, *that* Deborah Cox), a drag extravaganza called "Best of Chicago," and even a Proud Pet Parade. Because nothing says “equality” like a dachshund in a rainbow tutu.
The iconic Chicago Pride Parade will march through Boystown on June 29 with the theme "United in Pride." Community Grand Marshals Dr. Maya Green and Dr. Catherine Creticos will lead the charge, proving that science and sass can coexist beautifully.
๐Smaller Towns, Big Hearts
Pride isn’t just for big cities anymore. Suburban celebrations like Buffalo Grove’s Produce Parade and Elgin Pride are making waves. These events provide vital visibility for LGBTQ+ folks in areas where acceptance can feel harder to come by. So if you’re in the ‘burbs, grab your glitter and join the fun!
๐Sports Teams Join the Party
Even sports teams are getting in on the action. The Chicago Cubs will host their Pride Night on June 12 at Wrigley Field, complete with special merch that’ll make you say, “Take me out to the gay ball game.” Not to be outdone, the White Sox are hosting their own Pride Night on June 18 at Rate Field. Who says sports and sequins don’t mix?
๐The Serious Stuff: Challenges in 2025
Of course, not everything is rainbows and sunshine. This year’s Pride celebrations come amidst rising anti-LGBTQ+ incidents and legislation. Over 700 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the U.S., targeting everything from healthcare access to drag performances. Utah and other conservative states have even banned LGBTQ+ flags at government buildings and schools. (Because apparently, a piece of fabric is *that* threatening.)
Corporate sponsorships are also taking a hit as companies face backlash for supporting LGBTQ+ causes. Some major Pride festivals are scrambling to fill funding gaps through community donations and crowdfunding. It’s a stark reminder that while progress has been made, the fight for equality is far from over.
But here’s the thing about the LGBTQ+ community: resilience is practically its middle name. Organizers are leaning into grassroots support, returning Pride to its activist roots while still keeping it festive. After all, what’s a revolution without a little sparkle?
๐How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally looking to show your support, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Pride Month:
1. **Educate Yourself**: Read books or watch documentaries about LGBTQ+ history. The more you know, the better ally you can be.
2. **Support LGBTQ+ Businesses**: From bakeries to bookstores, your dollars can make a difference.
3. **Donate to LGBTQ+ Organizations**: Groups like GLAAD are doing vital work advocating for equality and tracking anti-LGBTQ+ hate incidents.
4. **Attend Events**: Whether it’s a parade, concert, or panel discussion, showing up matters.
5. **Speak Up**: Use your voice (and your social media) to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Remember: silence isn’t golden—it’s complicit.
๐Resources You Need Right Now
Feeling overwhelmed by all this information? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with some handy resources:
๐Pride Facts | GLAAD https://glaad.org/pridefacts?
๐- **GLAAD Media Reference Guide**: Perfect for journalists or anyone who wants to brush up on LGBTQ+ terminology.
๐- **Incident Reporting Form**: Help GLAAD track anti-LGBTQ+ hate incidents.
๐- **Digital Toolkits**: Learn how to be an effective advocate year-round.
Why Pride Still Matters
Sure, Pride Month is fun—who doesn’t love a good parade or an excuse to wear head-to-toe glitter? But it’s also deeply important. It’s a time to honor those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights before us, from Marsha P. Johnson to Harvey Milk. It’s a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come—and how far we still need to go.
Most importantly, Pride reminds us that everyone deserves to live authentically and unapologetically. Whether you’re waving a flag at a parade or quietly supporting from the sidelines, your presence matters.
So this June, let’s celebrate love in all its forms—and maybe throw in a dance party or two for good measure. Happy Pride Month! ๐ณ️๐
๐SOME RESOURCES AND NEWS๐
๐GLAAD https://glaad.org/
๐Pride Facts | GLAAD https://glaad.org/pridefacts?
๐GLAAD Media Reference Guide – 11th Edition | GLAAD https://glaad.org/reference?
๐Pride parades 2025: Dates, cities, when to celebrate around the US https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/06/01/pride-month-parades-2025/83880446007/
๐What inspired Pride Month and why is it celebrated in June? https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/05/31/pride-month-origins-june-2025/83917817007/
๐Scared advertisers, flag bans and Trump: the US is in for a troubled Pride 2025 | US news | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/29/pride-month-trump
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate and honor the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to history, society and culture. Pride Month also raises awareness and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Here are some of the ways you can join the celebration and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.
๐- Learn about the history and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall riots of June 1969, which sparked the gay rights movement. Since then, the LGBTQ+ community has made significant progress in achieving legal recognition and social acceptance, but also faced many challenges and struggles. You can learn more about the history, diversity, and issues of the LGBTQ+ community by reading books, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, and following LGBTQ+ media outlets. You can also visit museums, monuments, or landmarks that honor LGBTQ+ history and culture. Some of the resources you can use to learn more about LGBTQ+ history and culture are:
๐- Participate in pride events and activities. During Pride Month, many cities and towns host pride parades, festivals, rallies, and other events that showcase the diversity and pride of the LGBTQ+ community. You can join these events as a participant or a spectator, and enjoy the music, art, entertainment, and speeches. You can also attend workshops, webinars, or panels that discuss LGBTQ+ topics and perspectives. You can also organize your own pride events or activities with your friends, family, or colleagues. Some of the resources you can use to find or plan pride events and activities are:
๐- LGBTQ+ youth are a vulnerable and resilient group that need support and affirmation from their families, peers, and communities. Some of the ways you can support LGBTQ+ youth are:
๐- Listen to LGBTQ+ youth: Be open and respectful to their experiences, feelings, and needs. Don't judge, criticize, or invalidate them. Ask them how they want to be supported and what they are comfortable with. Let them know that you care about them and accept them for who they are⁴¹.
๐- Educate yourself and others: Learn about the diversity, history, and issues of the LGBTQ+ community. Avoid making assumptions or stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Use inclusive and affirming language and pronouns for LGBTQ+ people. Challenge homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and other forms of discrimination and prejudice when you encounter them. Share accurate and positive information about LGBTQ+ people with others⁴ .
๐- Create a safe and supportive environment: Make your home, school, workplace, or community a welcoming and respectful place for LGBTQ+ people. Display signs, stickers, or flags that show your support for the LGBTQ+ community. Join or start a Genders & Sexualities Alliance (GSA) club or network at your school or workplace. Participate in LGBTQ+ events, such as pride parades, festivals, or workshops. Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and policies that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination and violence⁴ .
๐- Donate or volunteer for LGBTQ+ organizations: Support the work of LGBTQ+ organizations that provide services, resources, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. You can donate money, time, skills, or items to these organizations. You can also volunteer as a mentor, counselor, educator, or activist for LGBTQ+ youth. Some of the organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth are The Trevor Project, GLSEN, SAGE, PFLAG, Advocates for Youth, and many more⁴ .
๐- Seek help when needed: If you or someone you know is struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity, or facing bullying, harassment, or violence, don't hesitate to seek help. There are many resources and helplines available for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. You can call, text, chat, or email with trained counselors who can offer support, guidance, and referrals. Some of the resources and helplines for LGBTQ+ youth are The Trevor Lifeline (1-866-488-7386), Q Chat Space, Trans Lifeline (1-877-565-8860), LGBT National Youth Talkline (1-800-246-7743), and many more³ .
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐These are just some of the ways you can support LGBTQ+ youth. There are many more that you can explore and discover on your own. The most important thing is to be respectful, compassionate, and open-minded towards LGBTQ+ youth and their struggles⁴ .
๐- Supporting LGBTQ+ youth has many benefits, both for the youth themselves and for the society at large. Some of the benefits are:
๐-Improved mental health and well-being: LGBTQ+ youth who receive support and acceptance from their families, peers, and communities are more likely to have higher self-esteem, lower levels of depression and anxiety, lower risk of substance abuse and suicide, and greater life satisfaction than those who face rejection and discrimination .
๐-Increased academic and career success: LGBTQ+ youth who feel safe and supported at school are more likely to have better attendance, grades, test scores, and graduation rates than those who experience bullying, harassment, or exclusion. They are also more likely to pursue higher education and careers that match their interests and abilities .
๐-Enhanced social and civic engagement: LGBTQ+ youth who have positive role models and mentors in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to develop a strong sense of identity, belonging, and pride. They are also more likely to participate in LGBTQ+ events, groups, or networks, and to contribute to the LGBTQ+ movement and other social causes .
๐-Reduced stigma and discrimination: Supporting LGBTQ+ youth helps to create a more inclusive and respectful culture that values diversity and human rights. It also helps to challenge and change the negative attitudes and behaviors that fuel homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and other forms of oppression. By supporting LGBTQ+ youth, we can foster a more tolerant and compassionate society for everyone .
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