For the LGBTQ+ community, June marks the beginning of an exciting season. While the United States officially recognizes it as "Pride Month", countries around the world hold Pride events in June and in the months to follow. During these events, members of the LGBTQ+ community are able to come together and celebrate who they are by participating in parades/marches, visiting different booths, mingling with others at parties, and attending concerts meant to show support for the community. As exciting as Pride events can be, however, one of the most important things is to practice safety to ensure that you, and those around you, have the best time possible.
While Pride events vary in size (the smallest recorded in recent years had 100 attendees, while the largest had roughly 3.5 million attendees), there will always be quite a bit of hustle and bustle. Because of this, it's incredibly important to ensure that someone is aware of where you are at all times. There are a variety of ways you can go about doing this.
- Use the buddy system. If you will be attending Pride with a group, do your best to use the buddy system and stick with one or more members of your group at all times. If you decide to go to a party or hang out with people that you meet there, ask at least one of your friends if they would be willing to go with you. In the event that you do get separated, have a set meeting place (a certain booth, a nearby coffee shop, a restaurant, etc.) and a time to check back in with each other.
- Keep people in your life informed. Whether you are going to Pride by yourself or with a group, it's important to let others know what's going on as well. If you have a parent or other trusted adult that you feel comfortable talking about Pride with, give them a heads-up on all the important information. This includes things like what days you will be gone, where you will be staying, and who you will be spending your time with. It might also be wise to set up a time to contact that person daily to check in and let them know that you are okay. Doing so will give you that added security and protection should an emergency occur.
Knowing your limitations is also vital when it comes to attending events like Pride. Depending on your age, there may be opportunities for you to attend parties where there will be alcohol. While these parties can be a blast, it's necessary to exercise basic precautions.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for anything that doesn't feel right - your gut instinct is usually right when it comes to things that feel off. Don't leave your drink unattended (get a new one if you do have to take your eyes off it), watch the attitudes that people are displaying, and keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times. If you're going by yourself or with people that you don't know particularly well, have an exit strategy planned ahead of time so you can excuse yourself from any situations that may make you uncomfortable.
- Make sure someone knows where you are. While you and your friends may not want to attend the same parties, it's definitely wise to let them know where you will be at all times. In the event that you end up in a sticky situation or just plan on staying out longer than you originally anticipated, have someone to reach out to and keep informed so everyone stays on the same page.
- Exercise your right to say no. At parties, it's not uncommon for people to let their boundaries loosen a bit to avoid missing out. However, keeping yourself safe will be infinitely better than putting yourself at risk just to be the life of the party. If people are inviting you to participate in things, buy you drinks, or go elsewhere with them, only do so if you feel comfortable with it. If you don't, remember that no is a perfectly acceptable answer. Follow your gut and do what feels right to you, not what others want you to do.
Whether you're going for a day or staying for the weekend, making sure you have a game plan to get home or to your hotel safely is key after a long day. Having this figured out ahead of time will allow you to navigate the chaos that follows the end of an event more easily and get to your destination sooner.
- Have your ride figured out beforehand. Whether someone in your party will be driving or you are being picked up, make your arrangements before the event even begins. If getting to your destination requires a longer drive, consider driving in shifts and determining who will drive what shift ahead of time. If someone is going to be picking you up, have a designated time and meeting place set up to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Make sure that any changes to the plan are clearly communicated to everyone involved.
- Don't hesitate to call Uber, Lyft, or a cab. It's the number one rule of any night out: don't drive drunk under any circumstances. If the person who was originally meant to drive has had a little too much and no one else in your group is able to drive instead, be proactive and call an Uber, Lyft, or other service. Depending on the time and scheduling in your area, public transportation may also be an option. Regardless, finding another way to get where you need to be is essential. Getting your car can be taken care of in the morning, but putting your life and the lives of others at risk is never an option.
- Have a basic knowledge of the area. If you're traveling out of your city to attend Pride, do some research and have a basic understanding of the area you will be in before you get there. Know bus schedules, the phone number for local police stations, and places in the area to meet up if you and your group get separated, such as a cafe or a landmark. While this knowledge may not end up being necessary, it's always a good idea to know your surrounding areas in case of an emergency.
Pride is, without a doubt, a wonderful time for members of the LGBTQ+ community. If you practice safety and smart decision making, you'll have a blast from beginning to end. Enjoy the celebration and Happy Pride!
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