Pride month is almost here, and it’s time to get pumped! With so much excitement on the horizon, it’s essential to plan ahead (especially as a busy gay mom!) so you, your community and even your little one don’t miss a beat.
“Planning ahead for Pride will help you be better prepared,” says Dr. Jenna Brownfield, a queer therapist based in Minneapolis, “And for gay moms, planning ahead allows you to know whether you need to arrange childcare or if it’s a Pride event where you and your kids can celebrate together!”
Whether you’re a seasoned Pride-goer or gearing up for your first celebration ever, we’ve got you covered with tips to make this Pride your best one yet!
Why plan ahead for Pride?
Picture this: the sun is shining, the music is pumping, and you’re surrounded by love and acceptance. That’s the magic of Pride. Planning ahead means you can soak up every moment without worrying about the details. Plus, if you’re a LGBTQ+ parent, you’ll appreciate knowing whether to arrange a sitter or bring the kiddos along for the fun!
“There can be so many different events or opportunities happening during Pride, Dr. Brownfield tells Gay Moms Club, “Planning ahead can help you avoid decision fatigue or overwhelm during Pride and prioritize what’s most important to you.”
And let’s face it: Pride is jam-packed with events, parades, and parties galore. With so much going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But by looking ahead in May, it means you can focus on the events that matter most to you: dance parties, drag shows, community picnics or days out in the park with other queer moms, too.
Tips to plan for Pride ahead of time
1. Grab your rainbow-colored planner and jot down all the must-see events happening throughout June.
According to Dr. Brownfield, filling in your calendar with the events you want to attend, and seeing it mapped out can help make it easy to spot any conflicts and ensures you don’t miss a single moment. With so many events to choose from, it’s essential to narrow down your favorites.
“Circle your top 1–3 must-attend events to make sure you don’t spread yourself too thin,” she explains. That way, you don’t want to miss that epic drag brunch with your besties or day at the beach with your queer mom crew.
2. While it’s tempting to try and do it all, remember to be realistic about what you can handle.
Leave some wiggle room in your schedule for spontaneity — you never know when a last-minute dance party might pop up!
3. If you’re bringing the little ones along for the ride, do a bit of research to find family-friendly Pride events.
“If you are looking for events where you can celebrate together with your kids, research if the event locations are kid friendly,” she suggests, “Do they have an air-conditioned space where your kids can cool off from the summer heat? Do they have bathrooms with changing tables if your kids are still in diapers?” All of these are things to consider when you’ve got little kids in tow.
Tips for celebrating Pride month in style
As you gear up for the big month ahead, don't forget to infuse your celebrations with personal touches that reflect your queer pride.
“Reflect on what would feel celebratory to you. Think about activities that have helped your LGBTQ+ identity feel nurtured,” Dr. Brownfield reminds us, “For example: rewatching your favorite LGBTQ+ tv show or movie, hosting a Pride brunch with the affirming people in your life, making a playlist of songs that make you feel queer joy.”
And remember, Pride isn't just about partying – it's about honoring our history and embracing the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. So don't be afraid to channel your inner queer rebel as you celebrate the incredible progress we've made and the work still to be done.
With a little bit of planning and a whole lot of love, your Pride celebrations are sure to be a smash hit! So, grab your glitter, lace up those rainbow sneakers, and get ready to paint the town fabulous – because Pride month is almost here, and it's time to shine.