Pride Month is by far my favorite month of the year.  It always has been – and it always will be. Why you may ask, is June my favorite month of the year as a cisgender, heterosexual woman?  Because it’s so important to me – definitely more important than my fingers are capable of typing right now – that I support and honor all people in the way they live and love. A desire for equality runs deep in my veins.

For me, pride is synonymous with love and the LGBTQ community is a beautiful, brave and inspirational representation of love in my eyes.  During the month of June, we organize the celebration of individuality and sense of belonging in the most incredible way across the world and I can’t wait to take part in all of the festivities.  Here are five great ways to celebrate pride month this year.

1. Attend a Pride Party.  From New York City to San Francisco and Puerto Rico to Shanghai, pride celebrations are happening.  Go get your rainbow-colored gear and show your support. And hey, I don’t think we should stop at the end of June!  Here’s a list of global pride celebrations throughout the year.  Perhaps schedule one around your next vacation to see how pride is celebrated around the globe.

2. Go See RENT.  Um, you best believe I have already purchased my tickets!  When I saw that RENT was going on tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this amazing Broadway show, I dropped everything I was doing a snagged a ticket.  Not only do I know every single word of this incredible musical by heart, but it also supports such a wonderful message about love and life.

3. Donate to an LGBTQ Charity. Being an advocate isn’t just about celebrating during Pride month, but supporting the LGBTQ community year-round. There are so many wonderful organizations supporting LGBTQ communities to choose from, but here is a list to get you started.

   • Trevor Project - provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention support

   • National Center for Transgender Equality - advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people

   • Human Rights Campaign - civil rights organization working to ensure a world where LGBTQ people have basic equal rights

   • GLSEN - creates safe and affirming schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression

4. Sit Front Row at a Drag Show.  YAS queen!  I mean, do I even need to explain why this is a great idea!?  First of all, drag queens are the freaking best. The outfits, the makeup, the sass.  I can’t think of a more fun thing to do with friends this June. Here are some links to the top drag clubs in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, Seattle and Miami.  Get a group together and let loose!

5. Watch Great LGBTQ Movies.  Again, there are SO many great ones to choose from, but here is a list to get you started.  Heck, grab some popcorn and rainbow-colored Skittles and watch all six of ‘em, I say!

   • Blue Is the Warmest Colour - Romance film that follows a French teen who discovers desire and freedom when a mysterious blue-haired girl enters her life

   • Moonlight - Drama that explores the difficulties associated with sexuality and identity, including youth and physical and emotional abuse

   • Tangerine - Comedy about a transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend/pimp has been cheating on her

   • Love, Simon - High school rom-com about a closeted gay high school boy who falls in love with an anonymous classmate online

   • Paris Is Burning - Documentary about drag queens living in New York City

   • Tomboy - Drama about a 10-year-old tomboy who experiments with her gender identity

Happy PRIDE month everyone!  With love, Miranda.

~ Miranda Buzzlove