The first pride was a riot. You may have seen this statement, referring to the Stonewall Riots in June, 1969. Those of us who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ owe much to this event and all who participated in it.

Fifty-two years later, it is easy to look around and become complacent, but we are far from the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The RCMP reports that in 2019, hate crimes motivated by sexuality or gender went up 41% (and that is just those that were reported). This stat, of course, doesn’t include the discrimination and systemic oppression that affects us all.

The first Pride was a riot. This Pride—and every Pride—needs to keep that energy.  

When we think of those doing the work to advance 2SLGBTQ+ rights across the world, we think of celebrities and the folks out front. But not everybody is comfortable on the front lines speaking in public, sharing their stories, and organizing events. What of those more comfortable out of the public eye? What of us whose preferred place is behind the rainbow? 

Join a Local Pride Group
Most places have a local pride group - whether officially organized or an informal collection of interested people - and there is always work to be done. Pride groups need treasurers, social media experts, graphic designers, and writers. They need folks to buy supplies, fill out permits, and apply for grants. Every event takes a small army of folks to run, many of whom you may never see. Look around on social media (search your town name and “pride” or “lgbtq”), you might be surprised with what you find! You can support the cause while staying out-of-sight by doing much-needed labour.

Show Up
Those same local Pride groups run events - follow them and show up! Being an attendee, even a passive one, makes a huge difference. Events can range from a solemn flag-raising to a rowdy drag brunch and more, so there’s something for everyone. Show up; there is strength in numbers.  

Find Local Artists
Art is often at the forefront of social movements. Your area almost definitely has 2SLGBTQ+ artists doing great work, but are overlooked. Maybe their work is too “edgy” for the dominant culture to appreciate, or maybe they just haven’t gained a firm foothold yet. Ask around, seek them out on social media, follow them, boost them, and, if possible, purchase their work.  Supporting them increases their platform and ability to push all of us forward.

Support Supportive Businesses
Wherever we live, we likely have choices about where to spend our money. Many local businesses go out of their way to support, sponsor, and even promote 2SLGBTQ+ (and other) community groups. Who leaves their pride flag up after June is over? Who hosts that monthly “Queers and Beers?"  It’s more than just the big, marquee events.  Use your everyday business to support the establishments that work to support us. Find the businesses that are worthy of your support, it only takes a few minutes. Spend your money there.  

Get Involved in Local Politics
Without getting too much into whether or not our political system is working well, it is the system that we have. Provincial and federal political parties have local riding associations. All political parties, including municipal candidates, need volunteers. Don’t just get involved during election time; there is always work to be done. Ridings need folks doing fundraising, messaging, voter contact, and candidate discovery. If you get involved now, you can help to find somebody exciting to carry your banner in the next election. You can find somebody who supports the 2SLGBTQ+ community (or is a member themselves). The time to get involved is now.

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We may not be rioting in the streets anymore, but there is still work to be done. No matter your skill-set or comfort level, it’s easy to be involved with the rainbow. We’re happy to have you with us.  

What are some other ways to get involved? Comment on Instagram and Facebook using #SparkYourPride