Pride in Action: 30 Ideas for Bringing Your Community Together in June

Pride events are profoundly important to local communities, extending far beyond a simple parade or festival. They serve as a vital force for social cohesion, economic growth, and individual well-being, creating a more inclusive and vibrant community for all. 

While the parades and festivals are powerful symbols of celebration, the true spirit of Pride lies in action. It’s about more than just observing; it’s about actively building a more inclusive, supportive, and connected community. This month is a call to action for all of us—individuals, families, local businesses, and community groups—to show up, learn, celebrate, and advocate. 

To help put your Pride into action, here are 30 ideas to help bring your community together this June and beyond.

Community Celebrations

These events are designed to create visible, joyful spaces for LGBTQ+ people and allies to connect and celebrate.

1. Host a Pride Parade Viewing Party: Can't make it to the big parade? Gather friends and neighbors for a festive viewing party.

2. Organize a Community Pride Picnic: A simple and relaxed way to gather in a local park. Encourage everyone to bring a dish and wear their brightest colors.

3. Plan a Pride-Themed Block Party: Get your neighborhood together for a family-friendly celebration with music, food, and games for all ages.

4. "Community Rainbow" Collaborative Art Project: Designate a large canvas, a section of a public wall (with permission!), or several large poster boards in a community space like a park or library. Provide paints, markers, and craft supplies in all the colors of the rainbow. Invite families and individuals to contribute to a massive, collaborative piece of art. Each person can paint a section, add their handprint, write a word about what pride means to them, or draw a picture.

5. Host a Drag Brunch: Collaborate with a local Detroit restaurant to host a fabulous brunch featuring performances from talented local queens and kings.

6. Organize a Pride Pet Parade: An adorable and lighthearted event where community members can show off their furry friends in festive Pride gear.

7. Hold a Pride Comedy Night: Laughter is a powerful connector. Feature local LGBTQ+ comedians for an evening of fun.

8. Create an Open Mic Night: Offer a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to share poetry, music, stories, and personal experiences.

Educational & Awareness Events

Action begins with understanding. These events focus on education and fostering deeper allyship.

1. Host a "History of Pride" Workshop: Delve into the story of the Stonewall Uprising and the activists who paved the way.

2. Organize a Panel on LGBTQ+ Issues: Invite local activists and leaders to discuss current challenges and triumphs within the community.

3. Run an Allyship Training Session: An interactive workshop to equip allies with the knowledge and tools to provide meaningful support.

4. Pride-Themed "Chalk the Walk" Festival: A simple, visually stunning, and low-cost event. Reserve a prominent area of sidewalk at a local park or community center and provide buckets of sidewalk chalk. Families and individuals can claim a square to draw what Pride means to them, creating a sprawling, colorful tapestry on the pavement.

5. Offer a Pronoun & Inclusive Language Seminar: A practical session on why using correct pronouns and inclusive language is crucial for respect and inclusion.

6. Facilitate a "Know Your Rights" Workshop: Partner with legal experts to inform LGBTQ+ individuals about their rights and protections.

7. Screen an LGBTQ+ Documentary: Host a screening of a film that explores LGBTQ+ history or contemporary issues, followed by a discussion.

Arts & Culture

Art is a powerful medium for expression and connection. Celebrate the creativity of the LGBTQ+ community.

1. Curate an LGBTQ+ Art Exhibition: Showcase the incredible work of local Detroit-area LGBTQ+ artists in a gallery, cafe, or community center.

2. Host a Pride Crafting Day: Get hands-on with tie-dye, button making, or friendship bracelets in rainbow colors.

3. Start a Collaborative Pride Playlist: Create a public playlist and invite the community to add their favorite Pride anthems and songs by queer artists.

4. Organize a Queer Zine-Making Workshop: A creative outlet for people to create their own small magazines with LGBTQ+ themes.

5. Stage a Reading of an LGBTQ+ Play: Support queer playwrights by organizing a reading of their work.

6. Launch a Community Mural Project: Come together to paint a mural that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and Pride in your neighborhood.

Corporate & Small Business Initiatives

Local businesses can play a huge role in fostering an inclusive community.

1. Fundraise for a Local LGBTQ+ Charity: Choose a Detroit-based organization like the Ruth Ellis Center or Affirmations and organize a fundraiser. Offer to match donations.

2. Highlight Your LGBTQ+ Employees: With their permission, share the stories and contributions of your LGBTQ+ team members.

3. Create a Pride Window Display: Show your support visually and make your business a welcoming space.

4. Host a "Lunch and Learn" with a Guest Speaker: Invite an LGBTQ+ advocate to speak to your employees about the importance of an inclusive workplace.

5. Partner with LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses: Use your platform to promote and collaborate with local queer entrepreneurs.

Virtual & Hybrid Events

Ensure everyone can participate, regardless of their location or ability to attend in person.

1. Host a Virtual Drag Bingo Night: A guaranteed fun time for all, hosted online by a fabulous drag performer.

2. Livestream Your Panels and Workshops: Make your educational content accessible to a wider audience.

3. Organize an Online Film Screening & Q&A: Host a virtual watch party for an LGBTQ+ film, followed by a live discussion with the creators.

4. Create a Digital Pride Photo Booth: Encourage people to share their Pride looks online with a unique hashtag and branded photo frame.

What is Pride Month All About?

Pride Month, celebrated every June, is a vibrant and significant observance dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) pride. It's a time for the community and its allies to come together to honor the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, celebrate the culture and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals, and advocate for the rights that are still being fought for today.

The origins of Pride Month are rooted in a pivotal moment in American history: the Stonewall Uprising. In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in the Greenwich Village neighborhood. Police raids on gay bars were common at the time, but on this occasion, the patrons and neighborhood residents fought back. The ensuing protests and clashes with law enforcement lasted for six days and are widely considered to be the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. The event galvanized a new generation of activists and led to the formation of numerous gay rights organizations.

To commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, marches were held in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago in June 1970. These marches were the precursor to the Pride parades and festivals that are now held in cities around the world. In 1999, President Bill Clinton officially declared June as "Gay and Lesbian Pride Month." This was later expanded by President Barack Obama to include the entire LGBTQ+ community.

A central symbol of Pride is the rainbow flag. It was created in 1978 by artist and activist Gilbert Baker, who was commissioned by Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. Each color of the flag has a specific meaning:

• Red for life
• Orange for healing
• Yellow for sunlight
• Green for nature
• Blue for harmony/peace
• Violet for spirit

Over the years, the flag has been adapted to be more inclusive. The "Progress Pride Flag," for instance, adds black and brown stripes to represent LGBTQ+ communities of color, and the colors of the transgender flag (light blue, pink, and white).

What Impact Do Pride Events Have?

At their core, Pride events are a powerful declaration of visibility and validation for the LGBTQ+ community. They create a safe and celebratory space where individuals can openly express their identities without fear of judgment or discrimination. This public affirmation is crucial for the mental and emotional health of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly for youth, who often face higher rates of isolation and mental health challenges. Seeing a visible and celebrated community can instill a sense of hope, belonging, and self-worth.

Beyond the LGBTQ+ community, Pride events are a catalyst for building a more inclusive and educated society. They provide an opportunity for allies and the wider community to show their support and learn more about LGBTQ+ history, culture, and the ongoing fight for equality. This exposure helps to break down stereotypes, foster empathy, and create a more welcoming environment for everyone. The presence of families, local businesses, and community leaders at these events sends a strong message of acceptance and unity.

From an economic standpoint, Pride events are a significant boon for local businesses. The influx of attendees for parades, festivals, and other related activities translates into increased revenue for restaurants, hotels, retail shops, and other local establishments. In Detroit, events like Motor City Pride draw tens of thousands of people, providing a substantial economic injection into the local economy. This boost can be especially impactful for small and LGBTQ+-owned businesses.

Pride events can also contribute to the cultural vibrancy and appeal of a city. They showcase the diversity and creativity of the community through music, art, and performance, making the city a more attractive place to live and visit. By publicly celebrating diversity, cities like Detroit can enhance their reputation as progressive and inclusive, which can help to attract new residents, talent, and investment. Ultimately, Pride events are a testament to a community's commitment to equality and a celebration of the rich diversity that strengthens the fabric of society. As the rainbow flags unfurl across Detroit and cities worldwide this June, Pride events serve as much more than vibrant celebrations. For local communities, these gatherings are powerful engines of social, psychological, and economic vitality, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous environment for all residents. Rooted in the history of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, what began as a protest has evolved into a multifaceted demonstration of visibility, community, and advocacy that remains profoundly important today.

Visibility, Validation, and Mental Wellbeing

For LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in their local environments, Pride events are a crucial source of validation and affirmation. In a world where they may still face discrimination, harassment, or a simple lack of acceptance in their daily lives, the visible and widespread support during Pride can be a life-affirming experience. Seeing their identities openly celebrated by neighbors, local businesses, and city leaders creates safe spaces where they can be their authentic selves without fear.

This sense of belonging and acceptance has a significant positive impact on mental health. Organizations like The Trevor Project highlight that feelings of isolation and experiences with discrimination place LGBTQ+ youth at a much higher risk for depression, anxiety, and suicide. Pride events combat this by fostering a strong sense of community and support, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting resilience. For many, it is the one time of year they can see a large, diverse representation of their own community, which helps to counteract internalized stigma and boost self-esteem.

Community Building and Education

Pride events are a cornerstone for building a stronger, more interconnected local community. They provide a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to come together in solidarity, strengthening bonds and fostering a collective identity. This sense of unity is a powerful tool for advocacy and social change.

Beyond the LGBTQ+ community, Pride events serve as an important educational opportunity for the broader public. Through parades, festivals, and panel discussions, they raise awareness about the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, the challenges that still exist, and the importance of allyship. This increased understanding helps to break down prejudices and build a more inclusive society for everyone. In cities like Detroit, which has consistently scored perfectly on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index, Pride events are a public demonstration of the city's commitment to these values.

Economic and Cultural Benefits

The impact of Pride events extends beyond the social and psychological to the economic and cultural fabric of a city. These celebrations attract a significant number of visitors, providing a substantial boost to the local economy. Tourists and local attendees spend money at hotels, restaurants, and retail shops, supporting local businesses. For many vendors, Pride festivals are among their most profitable events of the year.

Studies in various cities have quantified this economic impact, showing that Pride can generate tens of millions of dollars in revenue for the host community. This influx of spending supports local jobs and generates significant tax revenue.

Culturally, hosting a vibrant Pride celebration enhances a city's reputation as a welcoming and progressive place to live and visit. This can attract new residents and businesses who value diversity and inclusion. The "Pride Journey: Detroit" and similar initiatives highlight how a city's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is a key part of its cultural identity and appeal to a broader audience.

Final Thoughts

Pride Month is a powerful blend of celebration, remembrance, and activism. It’s an opportunity to build bridges and foster a sense of belonging. 

Pride events are a vital investment in the well-being and prosperity of a local community. Whether you organize a large event or simply start a conversation, every effort contributes to a stronger, more vibrant community for all. 

Need some help setting up your Pride Month event? We’re here for you! Schedule a call with our team and we’ll take care of the ticketing - so you can focus on planning an awesome event.