How To Prepare for Your First Pride

By Sassafras Lowrey

Are you getting ready to attend a Pride event for the first time? For most LGBTQ+ people, regardless of their age, Pride is the first time you will probably find yourself surrounded by other LGBTQ+ people, which can be exciting, exhilarating, and maybe a little bit overwhelming too.

Pride events take all different forms, from huge parades to small-town BBQs. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Pride- it’s all about what feels safe, supportive, and celebratory for you.

If you’re getting ready to go to Pride events for the first time, we’re answering all of your questions on what to expect and some tips for how to prepare yourself.

What’s Pride?

Pride is about increasing the visibility of LGBTQ+ identified people and celebrating the diversity of gender and sexuality. Pride events are a time for the community to gather to celebrate the joy of being LGBTQ+. Pride is also a time to commemorate and remember the struggles our community has experienced and overcome, as well as the work that still needs to be done to continue fighting for liberation for all LGBTQ+ people. Especially in the face of the tidal wave of anti-transgender legislation plaguing our country, coming together as a community can feel more important than ever. Pride events (usually) take place in the month of June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots which took place in NYC and are considered the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

What Is Pride Like?

Pride events look different in each community. Some Pride events are small community gatherings, while others are large street festivals that close entire downtown districts. In larger cities and communities, there may be an entire weekend or week of local festivities, and different kinds of events appealing to community members of different ages, and with different interests. In most areas there are different events happening as part of Pride so chances are you can find something that is interesting to you. As Pride season approaches check with your local organizations and community groups to see what kinds of events are happening in your local area.

Safety Planning:

Although Pride is a time of joy for our community, attending large Pride events isn’t always safe if you aren’t out, or it isn’t safe for you to be out at home. If you’re worried about your safety getting to and from Pride events consider making plans with friends and carpooling or attending in a group so you can arrive and leave together. If you aren’t out, and especially if you aren’t out and your safety or housing could be in jeopardy if you were to come out, you’ll want to be especially thoughtful about what Pride events you attend. Large Pride events taking place in public areas are likely to have local media coverage including newspaper cameras, and video coverage for the local news. In addition, people attending pride events may take pictures and post those publicly online. If you aren’t out, your photo could still be taken which could accidentally put you in a position of being outed. If it isn’t safe for you to be outed, consider attending more private Pride events.

Attend Pride in Groups:

When going to your first Pride it’s a good idea to make plans to not go alone. Going to a big event like pride on your own can feel scary and overwhelming. Attending, or making plans to meet up with people you know can help you to feel safer and more confident about going to Pride events. Talk with your friends and/or supportive family members about what local Pride events you are wanting to attend, and see if anyone you know is also going, or is willing to go with you. You can also ask any LGBTQ+ identified people you might know from school, youth centers, or other community groups if they want to plan to go together as a group. Planning to travel together by carpooling, or riding public transportation as a group can also be safer while you and your friends travel to Pride events while dressed in your rainbow finery.

Get Support:

If you’re uncertain about how safe or comfortable you will feel about going to Pride it’s a good idea to seek support from people close to you. Lean on your allies, your LGBTQ+ friends, as well as affirming/supportive family and chosen family. Especially in the current national political climate, it’s perfectly natural to feel worried or uncertain about going to Pride. While at Pride don’t be afraid to tell your friends how you’re feeling, and what kind of support you might need like making plans to hang out together to feel comfortable going to busy Pride events for the first time.

Prioritize Self-Care:

When going to Pride for the first time don’t forget to focus on your individual needs and comfort. It can be easy to be caught up in the excitement of pride events and forget about taking care of yourself. It’s always ok to take a break if you feel overwhelmed by crowds, overheated, or just need a break from the intensity of Pride. When going to Pride events you’re going to want to make sure to stay hydrated so bring lots of water. You’ll also want to plan on carrying sunscreen and anything else you might need during the day. When planning your Pride outfit try to wear outfits that you feel comfortable in and prioritize wearing comfortable shoes to prevent blisters and foot pain while exploring Pride events.

About the Author:

Sassafras Lowrey’s novels and nonfiction books have been honored by organizations ranging from the American Library Association to the Lambda Literary Foundation and the Dog Writers Association of America. Sassafras’ work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, and numerous other newspapers and magazines. Sassafras has taught queer writing courses and workshops at LitReactor, the NYC Center For Fiction and at colleges, conferences, and LGBTQ youth centers across the country. You can find more of Sassafaras’ written works, including an edited collection exploring LGBTQ+ youth homelessness entitled Kicked Out, at www.SassafrasLowrey.com.