Pride celebrations seem to be coming back in full swing this year – with ample parades, marches, and events happening all around the world. After two years of queerly connecting through virtual festivities, this year’s Pride is returning in person, and sure to look different for everyone.
While Pride is a great time to share bold fashion and culture moments influenced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, this month also explores identity, self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and other aspects of community.
As a Queer person, there is no wrong way to observe Pride month. Whether you choose to go out every day or celebrate privately, honour your identity in a way that feels best for you.
Here’s some inspiration for our introverted queer folks. May your Pride at home be a joyous and fulfilling celebration!
10 Ways to Celebrate Yourself at Home:
- Watch Queer TV
If you have Netflix, scroll through the “LGBTQ” filter and find various film options. From reality shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, comedy series I Am Not Okay With This, or a romcom like The Half Of It, enjoy Queer representation of any genre!
- Explore 2SLGBTQIA+ History
Watch a documentary on Queer history, like Before Stonewall, or on a pioneer of the queer movement like the Death and Life of Marsha P Johnson. Listen to an informative podcast such as Making Gay History. Browse through online resources, including The GLBT Historical Society, Teaching LGBTQ History, or Making Queer History. Read a nonfiction book like Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza, All Boys Aren’t Blue, Sister Outsider, or Gender Queer: A Memoir.
- Listen to Gay Music!
Start with Sylvestor’s Disco tunes, Ma Rainey’s Blues, Linda Perry’s Rock, Freddie Mercury’s Rock, or even modern day Queer artists like Lil Nas X, Kehlani, Girl in Red, Janelle Monáe, or Troye Sivan. Stop by a local record shop and spin some vinyl! You can also check out or contribute to our community playlist!
- Have an Arts and Crafts Day – or Join Virtual Programming!
Print out and draw on the gender unicorn, make your own gender galaxy or sexuality galaxy. Use crayons and markers to create a self-portrait using your pride flag colours. You can even break out the sidewalk chalk and play hopscotch!
- Read a Queer-Focused Novel
At the Friends of Ruby Drop-in, you’ll find books available for pick up like Chicken Girl, Every Body looking, One Day This Will Matter, and more, as well as various magazines. Find yourself a book this month centred around a character who shares a similar identity. A few other Queer fiction novels to point you in the right direction: The Colour Purple, Loveless, Red White & Royal Blue, Detransition Baby, Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating, and find many more here.
- De-Stressing Selfcare Routine
Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at home. Get a new bath bomb and take a relaxing bath, buy or DIY a face and hair mask, try a foot soak, give yourself a manicure or pedicure at home.
- Try a New Recipe
Make a gourmet meal at home, because you deserve it. Having trouble deciding what cuisine to choose? Pick a random country on a globe and try preparing a national dish in your kitchen. If you have a sweet tooth, opt for a new dessert to try!
- Virtual Party with Friends
Do any of the above activities with a friend over Facetime, or a group over Zoom. Try a virtual board game together, like Battleship, Monopoly, Codenames, Pictionary, or Gartic Phone.
- Put Together a Fit
Sometimes to feel our best we like to look our best. Try out a new look with makeup or face paint. Maybe you’re getting a whole look together for your virtual party, or to make TikToks and post on Instagram. Bold creative looks, or natural and comfortable, experiment with your aesthetic – there are no rules.
- Virtual Programming From the Drop-In
Check out our virtual programs of the month! Back Talk with Canvas Arts is a poetry and spoken word program that discusses experiences with sexual violence, gender equity, identity, and resilience. For Black youth, we are currently running a workshop series with PositiveVibesT.O. focusing on the intersections of race, identity, and mental health.
If you decide to go out to a march or parade near you, it’s okay to dress in everyday clothes if you’re not into strutting a flashy fit. For neurodiverse folks, you’re encouraged to bring sensory regulation tools such as an anxiety ring, ear plugs, or soundproof headphones.
Celebrate yourself in a way that makes you feel best! It’s okay to participate or observe at a distance.
For those unable to attend Pride events, join us virtually! We’ll be live streaming the march in Toronto, so you can celebrate with us from anywhere. Follow us for more details @friendsofruby.ca.
#QueerlyConnected #FindTogetherness
