How Do You Celebrate Pride?

How Do You Celebrate Pride?

‘As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I try to celebrate Pride as much as I can even if it’s only in the little things that I do. I celebrate Pride through the art that I make which I will then share with others. I celebrate Pride with my loved ones who are also members or allies with the Community. I think the biggest way I celebrate Pride, however, is teaching my parents about the Community. I want to teach people who may not know a lot about it as much as I can as education on the subject leads to a greater understanding of one another.’ Alice Farmer

‘I celebrate Pride by being, firstly, living unapologetically everyday – it has taken long enough to get to this point! One way I do this is by taking my partner out on dates and using every reasonable opportunity to show that we are a couple. I also keep writing gratitudes about my experiences to remind myself that there are many people who are still unable to express themselves as freely. More than anything, though, I am grateful for even having someone with whom to share my life.’ Abdulmugheeth Petersen

‘I celebrate Pride with flags and stickers, bright colours and parades. I celebrate Pride with friends and peers gathering over coffee or wine. I celebrate Pride by a conscious choice each day to live my truth and in creating a space for others to do the same. I celebrate Pride by loving myself and others openly and honestly.’ Alexa Gordon

‘I celebrate Pride by embracing my commonality with other people and respecting our differences.’ John Grey

‘I celebrate Pride every day of the year by sharing and celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture. By being unapologetically myself and trying to foster a safe environment for others to do the same. I’d say Pride month is a great reason to gather your friends and actively celebrate what makes everyone unique, but also all the things we share in common. Nothing like having a diverse set of worldviews, cultures, and talents from those around you to constantly draw inspiration from!’ Chay Ruby

‘I celebrate Pride by joining the community celebrations of love on Commercial Drive.’ Sandi Bassett

‘I celebrate Pride in so many ways throughout my everyday life! We know that simply existing and being authentic in any space is already a form of Pride and protest. But in June specifically, I always make some sort of art representing the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s become a tradition of sorts to reflect on how far I’ve come on my journey of self-identity and queerness through the work I create. Finally, I of course indulge in all the stereotypical celebrations of Pride that include glitter, rainbows, friends, and music. There’s never a bad time to celebrate who you are!’ Jasmine Kitterman

‘Well, I really don’t. Pride is something that I consciously practise, on a small scale, every day. I try to identify reasons to feel proud of the person I am today and look forward to new milestones I may reach tomorrow or the next day. I call it practice, but in a way it is a small celebration of self. But just a small personal one.’ Reid Schwartz