June Is Pride Month: How to Support the LGBTQIA+ People in Your Life

Every June, rainbow flags line streets, social media fills with stories of love and resilience, and communities across the world come together to celebrate Pride Month—a time to honor the history, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTQIA+ community.

But Pride Month is more than a celebration. It’s a call to action, a moment of reflection, and—most importantly—an opportunity for allies to show up, speak up, and support the LGBTQIA+ people in their lives.

Whether you’re new to allyship or looking to deepen your support, here’s what Pride Month is all about—and how you can be there for your loved ones in meaningful, everyday ways.

What Pride Month Is Really About

Pride Month is held in June to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQIA+ history when queer and trans people—led by Black and brown activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera—stood up against police brutality and systemic oppression.

Since then, Pride has evolved into a month-long observance of visibility, activism, and community. It’s a time to celebrate how far we’ve come while recognizing how far we still have to go in the fight for full equality and acceptance.

It’s not just about parades and parties—it’s about honoring identities, protecting rights, and ensuring every LGBTQIA+ person feels safe, seen, and valued.

Why Support Matters

For LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those just coming out or navigating environments that aren’t affirming, having even one supportive person can make a massive difference. Studies show that LGBTQIA+ youth who have strong support systems are significantly less likely to experience depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.

Your support, whether loud or quiet, consistent or newly blooming, can help create a world that welcomes every person just as they are.

Listen to Understand, Not to Respond

Start by simply listening. If someone shares their identity with you, honor that moment. Coming out is deeply personal and often comes with risk and vulnerability. Don’t make it about you or ask invasive questions. Just say:

“Thank you for trusting me.”
“I’m here for you.”
“How can I support you better?”

The goal is not to have the perfect response—but to make your loved one feel safe and seen.

Use Correct Pronouns and Names

Using someone’s chosen name and pronouns is a basic act of respect. If you’re unsure, politely ask or listen for how others refer to them. And if you mess up? Correct yourself and move on without making it awkward or apologizing excessively.

Small things like this send a big message: “I respect who you are.”

Speak Up Against Discrimination

Being a true ally means using your voice—especially when it’s uncomfortable. If you hear someone make a harmful joke or use offensive language, challenge it. You don’t need to be aggressive—just firm, clear, and compassionate.

Example: “Actually, that kind of comment isn’t okay. Let’s be respectful.”

Silence allows harm to continue. Speaking up can spark awareness and change.

Celebrate Without Centering Yourself

It’s great to participate in Pride events, wear rainbow colors, or show support online—but remember, Pride isn’t about you if you’re not part of the community. Let LGBTQIA+ people lead, speak, and shine.

Your role? Amplify their voices. Share their stories. Show up without taking up space.

Support Mental Health and Well-being

LGBTQIA+ people are at higher risk for mental health struggles due to social stigma, discrimination, and isolation. Let your loved ones know they don’t have to go through anything alone.

Encourage open conversations around therapy and mental health care. Offer to help find LGBTQIA+-affirming providers or support groups. Just checking in regularly—“How are you feeling today?”—can mean the world.

Donate and Volunteer

If you have the means, support LGBTQIA+ organizations through donations, fundraising, or volunteering your time. These groups provide crucial services like housing, legal support, suicide prevention, and health care.

Consider:

Local LGBTQIA+ youth centers
National orgs like The Trevor Project, GLSEN, or PFLAG
Community-led initiatives, especially by and for queer people of color

Create Safe Spaces

Whether at home, school, work, or places of worship, work to ensure LGBTQIA+ individuals feel welcome and protected. That could mean advocating for inclusive policies, posting visible signs of support (like a rainbow sticker or ally pin), or just being a quiet, dependable presence.

A “safe space” isn’t always a physical location—it can be you.

Celebrate Pride Year-Round

Support doesn’t end on June 30. Pride isn’t a seasonal event—it’s a movement. It’s about showing up consistently, not just when it’s trending.

Keep doing the work even when no one’s watching. Keep uplifting the voices that need to be heard. Keep loving out loud.

Pride Month reminds us that love is love, and every person deserves the right to live openly, authentically, and joyfully. Your support—no matter how small it seems—can ripple out in powerful ways.

Whether you’re attending your first Pride event, educating yourself quietly, or hugging someone who just came out, you are helping build a world where LGBTQIA+ people don’t just survive—they thrive.

So this June, don’t just wear the rainbow. Be the rainbow—the one that shows up after the storm, the one that promises light, safety, and hope.

Happy Pride. 🏳️‍🌈