One of the many things I love about Boulder is the inclusivity of our community. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or consider yourself an ally, Pride Month is a great time to be mindful about showing support. In addition to celebrating Pride with the fantastic events happening in our city, you can deepen your understanding of what it means to be an ally. Interested in learning more about how you can be an ally for all? Here are some strategies you can start implementing right away:
Stay Informed
One of the best ways you can show your support for the LGBTQ+ community is to stay informed. You may be unfamiliar with some terms, or you may not know the difference between sex and gender. You can start by learning the basics here and staying up-to-date with LGBTQ-related news and issues. If you have questions, we have local resources that are always happy to provide resources and education. Rocky Mountain Equality is a wonderful organization that does incredible work through advocacy, education, and more.
Speak Up
In supporting LGBTQ+ folks, speaking up is one of the most potent ways to make a difference. While we’ve made much progress, there’s still a long way to go. When you hear someone using offensive language (such as calling someone or something “gay” as an insult), take the opportunity to educate them. This can be awkward, but in some cases, the person might not know what they say is harmful. In the instance of someone using incorrect pronouns, correcting them is necessary to protect and respect transgender and nonbinary people.
Donate to Nonprofits
Educating yourself and others is fantastic, and you can take your efforts a step further by donating to LGBTQ+ nonprofits. As mentioned, Rocky Mountain Equality provides advocacy, education, research, and programs for LGBTQ people, families, and communities in and beyond Boulder. For a broader approach, you could choose to donate to the Human Rights Campaign.
Participate in Events
In a previous post, I outlined some of the most significant Pride events in Boulder County during June. There are some great options for all, such as Pridefest 2024 and Queer Circus at Junkyard Social Club.
Pride Month is one of my favorite times of the year. Supporting the LGBTQ+ community is important to me, and I hope you’ll join me in making Boulder even safer and more inclusive.