Column: 10 Ways To Show Support In Pride Week
[Column written by Joshua Samuels]
As the week of Bermuda Pride is upon us, I thought I’d share some meaningful ways for straight allies to be involved in Pride events and show up for their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer family members.
The theme of Pride this year is centered around family, so I asked my LGBTQ+ friends and colleagues to share ways they would want their family and friends to show support during Pride Week.
Here are 10 ideas they came up with:
- Ask your queer family member when and how you can be a support to them during Pride Week. It may surprise you what they say.
- Post something on your social media this week showing support for LGBTQ+ inclusion. Follow Bermuda Pride and OUTBermuda on Facebook and Instagram.
- Attend the Panel Discussion on Wednesday and listen with your lesbian auntie in mind. The dialogue will be centered around exploring family relationships within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Get dressed up fancy for Friday’s Gala, where Icon Awards will be presented to the role models, allies, and trailblazers who inspire us. A must-attend event, especially if your uncle’s godson has been nominated for an award!
- If you know an LGBTQ+ person without supportive family in Bermuda, make a special effort to show them that they’re not alone. Maybe invite them to Thursday’s Open Mic night with you.
- Walk in Saturday’s Pride Parade and hold your trans child’s hand. As an ally, just showing up at Pride events can create a sense of safety and make it easier for LGBTQ+ people to show up.
- Volunteer to support one of the 7 events being held this weekend. Better yet, invite your bisexual friend to volunteer with you!
- Show up at Wesley Methodist Church for Sunday Service. Sit with your gay sibling and enjoy the One Day Friends & Family Choir.
- Donate to OUTBermuda’s year-round support programs and tell a loved one you did it with them in mind.
- If attending an event isn’t where you’re at this year, take some time to read up and better understand your LGBTQ+ family member. The FAQ section on the Bermuda Pride website is a great place to start.
Find all event details and links to volunteer or donate at pride.bm.
- Joshua Samuels, Executive Director at OUTBermuda
