Self-Care During #PrideMonth2022
Pride Month 2022 is here to celebrate YOU — my beloved queer folks — therefore YOU decide how it all goes down. Or up!
I know that many sensitive people aren’t looking forward to the Pride Month as much as other people may be. Some of us are introverts, navigating challenging time and/or healing. Pride Month 2022 is here to celebrate YOU — my beloved queer folks — therefore YOU decide how it all goes down. Or up!
Starting with the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969, Pride Month both commemorates and celebrates LGBTQIA+ activism and culture, people and our milestones together.
Pride Month is dedicated to the uplifting of queer voices, celebration of the queer culture and expression and the support of queer rights. Throughout the month of June — worldwide — there have traditionally been parades, protests, drag performances, live theater and memorials and celebrations of life for members of the community who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS, queer oppression and bigotry. It’s part political activism and part celebration of all the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s also a LOT!
All those events, rainbow logos and may be even some felt pressure to join the crowds or “come out” — it all may be happening in your life right now. And maybe it isn’t feeling all so good. It doesn’t mean that you are not queer enough — maybe you are simply a beautifully sensitive person (like I am!).
So here’s what I want to say: YOU DON’T OWE ANYTHING TO ANYONE.
Especially during the Pride Month.
I want to dedicate the month of June to celebrating ME, preferably silently and in solitude. And if you are also as introverted, sensitive and fabulously queer as I am feeling today, you are welcome to try out some of my self-care tips too.
Masturbation & Nutella
Take time off and binge on all the queer films and favourite foods. It may be a whole month or just a day. Here is your permission slip to do whatever your body and mind are yearning for right now. Let the noise and activism continue while you are indulging in a hot bath tub masturbating and eating Nutella out of the jar.
Let Their Marketing Miss You
Reduce your social media consumption by just a tad little bit, as businesses ramp up their queer marketing. Your future self mental health will be very grateful.
No Pressure!
If you don’t feel like “coming out” or explaining your sexuality to your weird uncle, people at work or your friends even though June feels exactly the right time to do all this work, you are welcome not to. I see you! If that is enough, no more is required.
One Loud Thing at a Time
If you want to be a little louder and prouder this year, pick one thing you are going to try. For example, over the month of June, whenever I feel like I have capacity, I will correct people when they mislabel me. Nothing less, nothing more. You don’t need anything else, if one action you choose feels good.
Mental Health is Sexy!
Take this opportunity to finally make that therapy appointment with a queer-friendly-and-informed person you have been meaning to. I want to celebrate your mental health this June.
Here’s Your Invitation To Do You!
Do that thing you have wanted all year (ice skating, asking someone on a date, sky diving, moving out, etc). And if you don’t, you always have another day. No pressure to do anything right now!
I’d love to hear from YOU too. What are some of the “quieter” celebrations and self-care tips you are going to implement this Pride Month? Join the conversation on Instagram.
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