Ever notice an influx of rainbow motifs in June? You’re not seeing a suspicious unicorn invasion. It’s Pride Month.

Every June, the queer calendar is filled with exciting events honoring the LGBTQ+ community and the Stonewall Riots of 1969 — the very first Pride. If you want to get in on the action, here's how to celebrate Pride Month thoughtfully, respectfully, and with plenty of fun.

When is Pride Month?

June has been officially Pride Month since 1970. The riot at New York City's Stonewall Inn in 1969 sparked the LGBTQ+ movement as we know it today, and Pride Month celebrates that legacy. While it’s primarily a Western thing, more cities and countries put it on the calendar every year.

During Pride, the LGBTQ+ community and their allies paint the town rainbow. From busy parades and festivals to workshops, discussion panels, and dance-till-you-drop nights out, it's a month-long celebration of diversity and inclusivity. It’s a heartfelt celebration of love, identity, and the journey toward equal rights for LGBTQ+ folks. 

Why do we celebrate Pride Month?  

The Stonewall Uprising was a pivotal moment in history — and that might even be an understatement. When police raided a gay bar and its patrons stood up for themselves, the event lit the fire of the gay liberation movement in the United States. A regular night became a revolutionary moment in history as queer folks and transgender people of color like Sylvia Rivera and transgender woman and drag queen Marsha P. Johnson fought back against society's laws against being yourself. 

Stonewall began a united front for LGBTQ+ rights across the country. Groups like the Gay Liberation Front and Gay Activists Alliance formed, channeling the demands for justice into organized action. And the first Pride march started at the very place that sparked the movement just one year later. 

Today, cities worldwide embrace Pride Month as a reminder of the struggle against discrimination, the ongoing fight for equality, and the right to love and live openly. 

14 thoughtful ideas to celebrate Pride Month   

Pride is about embracing love and championing equality, whether you're a straight ally or queer yourself. If you're not sure what to do for Pride, these fabulous ideas will make your Pride celebration more meaningful: 

1. Work on a mural

Paint a bright, colorful mural on the side of a wall or building to spread the message of Pride. Gather your local community, friends, and family, and pour your hearts into a mural representing what LGBTQ+ Pride means to you. It's a creative way to make a statement that lasts all throughout the year. Just get permission first.

2. Host a queer film marathon

There's something compelling about watching queer stories and experiences on a big or small screen. To celebrate Pride, attend a queer film festival or event in your area — or host a movie night featuring your favorite LGBTQ films. 

3. Create a playlist of LGBTQ+ anthems

Compile a playlist of LGBTQ+ songs and tracks by queer artists and anthems. Making a soundtrack for your Pride Month experience is an excellent way to celebrate love and freedom. 

4. Go on a Pride shopping spree

If you need Pride outfit ideas, visit local LGBTQ+ businesses to find the perfect top, bottom, or dress and show solidarity. Look for local or online stores that champion queer rights and make your Pride purchases there. You can also find Pride gifts while you’re at it.

5. Hang a Pride flag

There are many different Pride flags, from the iconic rainbow flag to one of the many representing the diverse sexuality and gender spectrum. Find one you connect with — including genderqueer, pansexual, and bisexual — to hang in your bedroom or tie around your neck at a parade. 

6. Attend a virtual Pride Parade

If you can't make it to a Pride parade in person, the internet has your back. Many cities offer virtual celebrations that let you enjoy the festivities from anywhere, whether you're stuck in bed with a cold or live somewhere that doesn’t have a ton of Pride events. Digital Pride events are a wonderful way to connect with the global LGBTQ community.

7. Try an educational workshop

Knowledge is power, and if you're looking for meaningful Pride activities, attend a workshop or seminar on LGBTQ history and rights. It's an exciting way to learn, ask questions, and become a better ally if you're not queer yourself — and you might make friends along the way.

8. Throw a rainbow-themed potluck

If you love food and gay Pride, invite friends and family over to feast on dishes that are the color of the rainbow. It's a fun and delicious way to celebrate diversity, and everyone will have fun divvying up the colors. 

9. Explore Pride art exhibitions

Art has long been a medium for LGBTQ+ self-expression. Visit exhibitions showcasing queer art to support these artists and earn a deeper appreciation for their talents. 

10. Celebrate Pride Month at work

Celebrating Pride Month at work can help foster a more supportive and inclusive environment for yourself and your team. Organize a volunteer day and partner with charities like The Trevor Project, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Transgender Law Center, or encourage your team to wear colors representing different Pride flags. 

It also doesn’t hurt to schedule a session with an expert — or encourage your boss to do so — to educate your team on diversity issues like pronouns, gender stereotypes, and workplace inclusion. An interactive Q&A session after the training can help address everyone’s questions and raise awareness.

11. Champion LGBTQ+-owned businesses

During Pride Month and throughout the year, consciously shop at LGBTQ+-owned companies. Your business does double duty: It supports the queer community and shows solidarity. 

12. Attend a virtual panel discussion

With the wealth of online knowledge, tuning into panel discussions by LGBTQ+ activists can be incredibly enlightening. It's an excellent way to hear diverse perspectives and learn more about the issues facing the queer community today. 

13. Read LGBTQ+ literature

Learn about the nuances of the queer experience by reading LGBTQ+ books by queer authors. From memoirs to fiction, these stories will draw you in and enrich your understanding. Bonus points if you buy the book from a queer-owned bookshop. 

14. Support LGBTQ+ nonprofits

One of the most impactful ways to support the queer community is by volunteering your time or donating to LGBTQ+ organizations like GLAAD, the LGBTQ Freedom Fund, and the Center for Black Equity. These groups work tirelessly to make the world safer for queer people.

Join Quinn's inclusive community 

Quinn is an audio erotica app created by women, for the world. We welcome and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month and all year long. 

Quinn's steamy audio erotic and sexual stories include categories like WLW, M4M, and for all genders. To access thousands of narrated sex stories, guided masturbation sessions, and sexy playlists, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.