Tips for LGBTQIA+ neighbors and allies to commemorate Pride Month this June
Each year in June, neighborhoods proudly display rainbow flags as excitement and anticipation for Pride Month fills the air. This is a time to commemorate and celebrate the history, achievements, joy, and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community with festivities all month long. Pride Month isn’t just for those who identify as LGBTQIA+ — it’s an opportunity for all neighbors to amplify messages of solidarity and show their support by creating a welcoming community.
At Nextdoor, we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and recognize Pride as a significant cultural moment representative of equal rights. We’re excited to share the return of the celebratory Nextdoor Pride logo during this upcoming Pride Week, June 21st-28th, which we hope will help make LGBTQIA+ neighbors feel seen and welcomed on Nextdoor. We recognize that the fight for equality is never finished. Nextdoor’s policies state that any mistreatment, aggression, or unkindness shown to people on the basis of their gender and/or sexual orientation is prohibited on Nextdoor.
Fortunately, neighbors don’t have to wait for Pride Month each year to lift up LGBTQIA+ neighbors. It’s always the right time to show up for those in your community and contribute to an inclusive neighborhood all year round. Everyone should feel welcome in their neighborhood and it’s important for neighbors to have an active role in creating an inclusive neighborhood. Below we explore some ways to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and find local events this Pride Month.
What does LGBTQIA+ stand for?
Let’s start with understanding the essentials: What does LGBTQIA+ stand for? The acronym stands for: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic, and All other orientations (+). In other words, the acronym refers to anyone who considers themselves outside the categories of heterosexual or cisgender.
Keep in mind, every person embraces their identity in different ways. That’s why it’s important to stay open, educated, and involved. Here are national resources to learn more:
- PFLAG, the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQIA+ people and their families.
- GLSEN, which seeks to ensure that every student of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
- The Trevor Project, an organization that works to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and questioning young people.
To get involved locally, look for nearby LGBTQIA+ cultural or resource centers. Visit Nextdoor to find organizations offering free courses, educative materials, and outreach programs to support queer neighbors.
Use inclusive language
Make sure to be conscious of using inclusive and gender-neutral language. Positive, thoughtful words can help foster inclusivity and make a difference to LGBTQIA+ neighbors.
Not sure where to start? When addressing a group, instead of using gender-implying phrases like “ladies and gentlemen” or “guys,” try inclusive and gender-neutral terms like: “folks,” “everyone,” or “friends.”
Conversations shared with neighbors in passing directly contribute to the culture in your neighborhood. Words are powerful and shape future interactions with others. To support the LGBTQIA+ community, consider how the words you use affect others.
Amplify LGBTQIA+ and minority voices
From participating in educational workshops to volunteering or making donations to local organizations for change, neighbors can show support by lifting up the voices and leaders of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Search Nextdoor for local centers that may be coordinating parades, receptions, movie screenings, and health services for all LGBTQIA+ neighbors and allies. Other organizations for national rights include:
- Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
- National Center for Transgender Equality
- Equality Federation
- Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE)
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) National Help Center
Support LGBTQIA+ businesses in your area
There are countless businesses with LGBTQIA+ owners or support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Support these businesses and their success by finding queer-friendly business recommendations on Nextdoor in your area. Nextdoor Business Pages can connect you with LGBTQIA+ establishments to stay up to date on Pride Month events or deals they may be offering to celebrate.
For instance, the Bay Area Spahr Center holds periodic self-defense classes for all LGBTQIA+ community members. The more neighbors can play a part in lifting up businesses that support LGBTQIA+ community, the more inclusive and resilient communities can become.
Connect with neighbors to turn allyship in action
Your community can send a clear message of unity by welcoming all neighbors, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+, to create stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods. Show your support by celebrating Pride in fun ways by creating rainbow chalk art, putting out pride flags, or throwing a neighborhood block party to celebrate Pride Month. These are great ways to invite others to participate in creating a safe and inclusive neighborhood.
Start by reaching out to your neighbors on Nextdoor with a post to your local area or join or create a Nextdoor Group. On Nextdoor, you can organize community events and connect with neighbors in your community who are also interested in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Consider building LGBTQIA+ initiatives for:
- Education and resource centers
- Donation funds
- Neighborhood networks or cultural centers
- Peer support groups
- Youth school programs or education
- Community events (parades, fundraisers, etc.)
Celebrating Pride Month is a chance for neighbors to come together to support the LGBTQIA+ community and ultimately cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighborhood they can rely on. We encourage neighbors to bring inclusive spirits to their neighborhoods during Pride Month and beyond.
Thank you for your part to make Nextdoor a welcoming platform for LGBTQIA+ neighbors everywhere, and happy Pride to all.
How are you celebrating Pride Month in your neighborhood? Share some inspiration with neighbors on Nextdoor.
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