Welcome to Pride Month! Pride is a celebration of publicly embracing our authentic sexual and gender identities. The last weekend in June is dedicated to remembering the drag queens, trans folx, gender non-conforming humans, and all LGBTQIA+ people who stood up for their right to occupy public space in the Stonewall Uprising (learn more here). This basic human right is still under attack in many corners of America and around the world, so let’s step out and make our voices heard in support of “Sexual Freedom for Everyone”!
Visit the CSPC booth at Trans Pride in Volunteer Park on Friday, June 28; at the Capitol Hill festivities on Saturday, June 29; and at Seattle Center on Sunday, June 30. Come get your special Pride-edition wristband and hand-fan! Explore more Seattle Pride Month events.
And of course, join the CSPC community in the Pride Parade on June 30! This year's Seattle Pride Parade will have more than 250 local and national nonprofits, corporations, and community groups celebrating 50 years of collective resistance, publicly standing in our authentic selves without shame. This year’s theme echoes the rallying cry of the first Seattle Pride in 1974 — NOW!
We will share more details about where to find us at each event later this month. Whether you drop by one of our tabling events, watch the parade from the sidelines, or march with us (or ride on the float!), here are a few tips for taking care of yourself during Pride:
Pay attention to your own capacity. There are so many exciting events happening June 28-30 that it will be easy to push yourself too hard to do All The Things.
Have an exit plan in case of emergency, including a way to communicate with others in your group in case of separation. Prioritize your own well-being.
Have a meet-up spot planned ahead of time in case you get separated from your group and someone loses their phone.
Be aware of your surroundings, and report anything that raises red flags. The US State Department has issued a Worldwide Caution travel advisory related to large LGBTQIA+ gatherings. Pride is a time of celebration, but it is still a political demonstration of resistance to the many ways trans, queer, and other sexual minorities face attempted erasure, active discrimination, and violence around the world.
Check out a map of the area where you're going to celebrate. If you are unfamiliar with Capitol Hill, Volunteer Park, or Seattle Center, take a look at Google maps or the associated website. Get an idea of how to get there and home, what roads may be closed to traffic and what bus routes exist and if they will be affected by the gatherings. Having an idea where the bathrooms are is never a bad idea.
Carry your valuables in a front pocket or other protected area. Garden-variety crimes like pickpocketing or car prowls happen anywhere crowds gather.
Wear sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy or cool. The worst sunburns happen when you’re not expecting it. Hats and clothing that block the sun are a plus.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Your body will thank you. Bring some water or ‘sports drink’ with you, and some snacks to keep your energy up.
Have fun! Dress for your own joy and celebrate being your own fabulous self out in the world with your sex-positive community.
Remember: you are loved. <3
Join us and show off your CSPC Pride! Please email us at pride@thecspc.org to volunteer or get on the list of parade participants. We will be sending out meet-up information to folx on the list very soon.