Be Proper Proud: A Guide to Your First Pride

Pride enters full swing this month, with countless events and commemorations across the nation. With many university cities being the site of some of these, you may be wanting to go to your first Pride event! So, here’s a proud Trans+ girl’s take on how to get involved, with my top tips for marking your first Pride!

1. A Party of Protest

Pride celebrations often conjure images of performance, joy and celebration; and many events are! However, particularly this year, many events will be connecting to their roots more than ever, roots that emerged first with Pride as a protest. Many events can be broadly sorted into ‘Party’ or ‘Protest’, with each having its role to play in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility. Before you go, make sure that you’re going to the type of event you think you are!

2. Is it for You?

Everyone is welcome at Pride events, but particularly for our non-LGBTQ+ friends, keep in mind that Pride is, first and foremost, a queer event. A safe space for all within our community, by entering this space, you are accepting that you hold a certain level of privilege. Whilst this is not an issue by any means, keep in mind that the event was not designed with you in mind, and to treat it accordingly.

3. Community Values

LGBTQ+ people transcend borders, cultures, livelihoods and generations, forming one of the largest, most diverse and unique families the world has ever known. We are, truly, a community, one with shared troubles, experiences and, often, goals. Whilst Pride features a myriad of identities, flags and people that showcase difference, we are all united under the Progress flag. Once you understand how interconnected we all are, Pride feels distinctly different to how you may have imagined.

4. Strength in Numbers

Pride events are always much more fun surrounded by those you know and love. Whether it’s your partner, friends, family or others you hold dear, bring people with you to mark the occasion. However, being visibly queer in our current climate brings with it inherent dangers, so particularly if you are attending a protest or activism-based Pride event, ensure you do not arrive or leave alone, and let people know where you’re heading.

5. “Just Be / Who You Wanna Be”

With all of the LGBTQ+ community coming together to be their true, authentic, unapologetic selves, now is the chance for you to do the same. Many people question their identities, and Pride is a fantastic opportunity for you to express who you are, or to experiment if you are unsure. Pride is not a costume party, but if you find yourself wishing to shed your own costume to show your true colours, why not now? Be you.

6. Every Day’s a School Day

You will meet every type of person at Pride, stretching the length and breadth of our vibrant LGBTQ+ community. With everyone bringing their own identities, experiences, challenges and lives, we are all set to learn something new at Pride. Embrace it; we are all of us learning, all on different journeys, so bring an open mind and a willingness to have your knowledge expanded.

7. Support Queer Businesses & Creatives

A staple of many Pride events, the multitude of queer-owned small businesses and performers, creatives and more often manifest at some of the best mini-markets you will ever find. Whilst you’re there, why not directly support the community by purchasing a little something to remember the great time you had? Ranging from LGBTQ+ items to cute crafts, I guarantee there will be something you want to take home!

8. Pride Month Is Every Month

Whilst June is widely accepted as Pride Month, it is not the only month where LGBTQ+ people exist, and not the only month they need true allyship. Whilst Pride is an opportunity to celebrate, and a chance for the wider world to see queer power in all its glory, you must work hard to play hard. Ensure that you are showing up for the LGBTQ+ community all year round, and one day, Pride may be a purely celebratory affair.