One of the drawbacks of awareness months is that it can sometimes be hard to know how to act on that awareness. Let’s not make that the case with Pride. Below are five ways to tangibly support the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride month.
Adopt a Gender-Neutral Hairstyle
Are you ready for a new look? Then why not show your support for the community by opting for a general neutral hairstyle in the form of cuts like pixies, buzz cuts or bobs?
Hairstyles in general are becoming less defined by gender roles. 63% of polled All Things Hair readers stated that traditionally masculine and feminine haircuts are becoming more gender neutral. How we wear our hair can say a lot. Adopting a gender-neutral haircut reinforces the message that it’s ok to eschew traditional gender looks and roles.
Do Some Research
Take some time to read up on the latest issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. The more you understand the struggles of the community, the more you will know how you might be able to offer your support and help. For instance, a common statistic is that up to 40% of homeless youth in certain areas identify as LGBTQIA+. By giving your time to support homeless initiatives, you can indirectly support the LGBTQIA+ community.
You might also take the time to research local or national political candidates. See who supports the LGBTQIA+ community and what their plans are to help push for equality. Then you can go to the polls more informed about who stands a better chance of making positive change.
You can also spend time looking into current terminology and understanding the nuances of the LGBTQIA+ community, such as what it really means to be nonbinary. Language changes over time and it’s a good idea to make sure you are keeping up with the latest terminology so that you can properly identify with people within the Pride community.
Donate to a Pride-Related Cause or Charity
One of the primary ways to show support for the community is to donate to an LGBTQIA+ activist group. It could be a national group or a local support and resources center. This really helps you walk the walk and puts your money where your mouth is, as it were.
Show Support Publicly
The most obvious and direct way to support the community is to show your support in public. Show off your Pride bumper sticker, clothing or social media skin. You could also post and share issues and news stories relevant to the community or encourage other people to donate to support causes. Supporting the community doesn’t have to just stop at awareness – it can act as a powerful springboard to real change.
Support LGBTQIA+ Creators
You can also support the creative voices in the LGBTQIA+ community by buying their music, books, art, poetry or other creative media. By supporting creators who identify as LGBTQIA+, you are showing your alliance and helping to give the community a voice.
