With June in the rearview, it’s tempting for allies to move on with their summer and leave the spirit of pride with the month. For LGBTQ+ people, pride has never been confined to one month and the oppressions and journeys with identity that we face continue on. While there might not be any more parades to join this year, there are plenty of other ways to support your queer and trans friends and family as well as the community at large.
I want to start by sharing a note on what pride is and what it looked like this year in particular. Historically, pride was born out of a legacy of protest from LGBTQ+ people fighting for rights and representation, and notably queer and trans-BIPOC. Even though we most often see (and feel!) the spirit of “happy pride” and pride as a celebration of identity and life, pride does not exist without its history of oppression and resistance, of surviving and overcoming. From commercial pride parades to historic “gayborhoods” (like the Castro in San Francisco), the spirit of pride lives in the existence of queer and trans people and the communities they foster. Still, this idea of the celebration of identity is so important; it is a beacon of hope for so many, and a reminder for many more that they are not alone in the challenges they face.
In the money-centered world we live in, many profit off of the lives of LGBTQ+ people during pride month without paying respect to the history, culture, or needs of the community. Known as “Rainbow Capitalism” or “Pink Capitalism,” this scheme by major companies uses the signifiers of pride and the LGBTQ+ community (like the pride rainbow or the pink triangle) to market to and profit off of individuals. The exploitation of any marginalized group is harmful to their existence and historical legacy, but it’s not that simple. In my view, there are small benefits that come with this movement; many of these organizations donate to truly lifesaving nonprofits like the Trevor Project and GLSEN (although they can and should be donating more!). In a simple way, many people also find solace in material things that advocate for their identities and signify their place in the community. As trivial (and yes, capitalist) as it is, a silly rainbow candle or pride outfit can brighten one’s day. I’ll always advocate for shopping small and local (handmade goods are the best!), but it still brings me joy and a laugh to see a ridiculous shirt such as this one with so many different pronouns on it. After a thorough discussion with other queer people, we have unanimously decided that rainbow capitalism absolutely does not apply to pet merchandise.
The first, and simplest way to show allyship is to support queer spaces and businesses. We regularly shop, eat, and drink, but rarely consider the impact of our dollars spent or foot traffic. Many queer-owned establishments have seen a decrease in support in recent years, made more evident with the rise of the pandemic. Historical spaces where LGBTQ+ people have gathered have closed due to increased rents and lower patronage, as in the case with lesbian bars across the US. You can read more about this in my piece, “Are Lesbian Bars Going Extinct?” For the few bars and other designated queer spaces across the country, patronage and financial support are much needed, so consider buying your next drink there or donating to keep these spaces alive. Similarly when shopping, consider how you might be able to support queer and trans business owners and creators. I recommend searching for “LGBTQ+ brands” when you’re on the hunt for gifts or new purchases, you never know what you’ll find! A few examples include: a creative stationery company, a sleek skincare line, and a gender-free, size-inclusive clothing brand.
Especially in the wake of current events (read: the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a decision that has devastating impacts on people with uteruses across the country, and most notably women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ people) it’s more important than ever to use your time and money as a political tool. This year’s pride was overshadowed by the fear that we may soon live in a country where our right to marry has been revoked, which came as a shock to me and I imagine many others. Especially now, allyship means staying up to date on local and national politics because they have tangible impacts on the lives of those around you. If you can, consider donating to advocacy organizations and using your influence for positive change in politics. Sites like the ACLU and GLSEN are great resources for where to start as a donor or political activist. Activism and allyship start with education, so take the time to do some research into the history of the LGBTQ+ community and issues that directly affect us like access to abortion. Sexual Health Alliances’ blog has some excellent intro-to-queer articles to start you out like this pronoun crash course and this look into Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Beyond this, what your LGBTQ+ friends and family really need right now is a hug. Seriously, the world is collectively going through it and love and support are the best answer. Being there for those in your life and embracing their identities is a powerful tool for overcoming hate, which is so important right now. We also love attention, so keep those rainbow emojis coming please!
By Sydney Sullivan