We're entering another week of pride month, so it's a good time to talk about the pride parade itself. Most cities have big, blowout pride events, and they usually have a big turnout. Whether you're going as someone who is LGBT, with a LGBT friend or partner, or in support, there's a couple things that will help to know.
Since it's such a huge event usually, it's good to be prepared for your first pride.
Bring Cash
How pride parades work is that there's usually lots of outdoor events and booths going on, and they rarely are able to take cards. It's like going to a festival or a concert, it's good to have cash. My personal suggestion is to bring about $20-$40, since there'll be lots of fun things to do and buy, and the prices do sometimes get a little high.
Bring Water
June is a hot enough month already, and combining that with walking around in a packed parade all day and water becomes crucial. Sometimes people will pass out free water, which is amazing, but regardless it's usually pretty smart to bring a bottle.
Bring Friends
Pride is about celebrating who you are, and there's no better way to do it than to bring your friends along to dance and shop with you. A huge group is usually a major hassle to manage in a crowd, so I wouldn't bring the whole squad. But it's always more fun to do things with friends, and that's absolutely true for pride.
Bring Comfortable Shoes
If you live in a big city, then this is especially true, but depending on how big the parade in, there will be a lot of walking. Usually the parade spans over the course of several blocks, and that makes a long way to walk. So if you were thinking about wearing heels, no matter how good you look in then, you will regret it. Bring your sneakers.
Bring a Ride
Since the parade takes up a couple of blocks or more, it usually makes traffic a nightmare. Buses get detoured, roads are blocked off, parking's impossible, it's a whole thing. My suggestion is to have a plan on how to get to and from the parade. Take an uber, or figure out where the closest bus stop is.
Be Respectful
Once you're at the parade, it's absolutely crucial to be respectful to everyone around you. Everyone has their own stories and identities, and everyone's excited to be here. Don't be rude, don't tear down someone else, and don't make the parade a bad time for anyone.
Have Fun!
This is the most important step. Pride is about wearing rainbow clothes and dancing and having fun surrounded by a supportive community. So go out, and have a good time!
