June is Pride month, a month to celebrate gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and asexual people, plus all other sexual orientations and genders. Throughout the month, in the United States and other parts of the globe, various events are held as a special way to honor, celebrate and recognize the LGBTQ community. It is also a time to bring awareness to the community and the current issues facing the community.
Celebrate Pride Differently This Year
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many cities still in flux, and restrictions varying down to the county level in some areas, most cities are cancelling parades and other events that typically draw large crowds. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the cancellation of NYC Pride, along with all other nonessential permitted events in June. And Steve Taylor, board member of the European Pride Organizers Association (EPOA) said, “over 280 Prides globally have been cancelled or postponed because of COVID-19.”
Celebrate Pride Virtually in 2020
Just because most parades and large gatherings have been cancelled or postponed, doesn’t mean the celebration will be any smaller. In fact, it is likely to be much, much larger – just held in a much different format. “The EPOA and InterPride, a consortium of local Pride organizations in the U.S. and internationally, are organizing a massive, worldwide Pride event to be held exclusively online” according to the Vox article What will Pride mean this year by Katelyn Burns.
And although organizers admit that the virtual version of online pride won’t be the same as the large public gatherings and celebrations we are used to, it might also have it’s advantages. The online version of Pride could potentially include groups of people that have never been able to celebrate Pride before, such as potentially being able to include some residents of countries in the Middle East or Sub-Saharan Africa where just identifying as LGBTQ is a crime.
Online Counseling by a LGBTQ-Inclusive Therapist is Available
With all the changes surrounding Pride due to COVID-19, some community members may not feel comfortable celebrating Pride virtually, particularly if still under quarantine restrictions with unsupportive family members. If this is the case, consider seeking online counseling from a LGBTQ-Inclusive Licensed Counselor at Elemental Mental Health. We work with residents of Georgia, Florida, Texas and California via a secure online telemental health platform. Submit a website contact form to learn more.
And we look forward to celebrating Pride with you this year – virtually!