June marks Pride Month—a thirty-day celebration and commemoration of pride for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more (LGBTQ+) community. Pride Month started in 1969, following a series of gay liberation protests called the Stonewall riots. The movement has since spread throughout the world; the UK held its first Pride March in London in 1972. Pride Month is a time to honour the LGBTQ+ community, celebrate its culture, and raise awareness and show support for the community, globally and locally. Earlier this year, Reuters reported that three percent of people in England and Wales identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.
Just as the LGBTQ+ community is large and diverse, so too are the celebrations in honour of Pride Month. Individuals, institutions, and governments can all play a part to commemorate this important month. Here, we look at how your charity can show support this Pride Month.
Practice Pride in your Own Organisation
Demonstrating inclusivity and understanding is a key component of Pride Month celebrations. But inclusivity must extend far beyond the 30 days of June, to your own charity and the individuals who are involved with it. Diversity and inclusivity should be embedded deep within your organisation’s culture, every day of the year.
A great way to support Pride Month is to take stock of your charity’s culture. No matter the mission of your charity—be it healthcare, environmental awareness, or animal welfare—you can organise and host an inclusion workshop with your staff members, volunteers, and supporters. Invite speakers and create a safe and open space for people to discuss the issues that matter to them.
If you’re not sure where to start, no problem. There’s many organisations and companies that provide virtual or in-person diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training and anti-discrimination workshops; start with an online search in your area or inquire with friends and colleagues. Another well-timed and impactful thing you can do this month is to review your charity’s equality and diversity policy. The results of your review can help you take action to make your workspace an inviting place for your LGBTQ+ colleagues and supporters.
Use Inclusive Language in your Communications
Another thing to keep in mind during Pride Month (and every day) is that words matter. This June, take stock of your organisation’s internal and external communications. Your content and materials should be inclusive, with an aim to make your charity safe and welcoming to all.
The same is true in your verbal communications, be it a casual conversation with a volunteer at a fundraising event, or a formal presentation to your stakeholders. Key things to note: Don’t assume heteronormativity, use accurate and specific terminology rather than generalisations and umbrella terms, and remember intersectionality exists and impacts many communities. Again, if you’re not sure how to revise your content or train your team, there are many resources and trainings available via a quick online search.
Forge New and Lasting Partnerships
Pride Month is an ideal time to join forces for greater impact. This June, team up with another charity around shared goals, such as improving reach and service delivery or supporting and amplifying this important cause or sharing wisdom and successes with others. You’re not limited to partnerships with a peer charity—approach potential collaborators creatively and with an open mind. If your charity supports mental health and well-being, there’s no reason you can’t partner with an organisation that, say, protects wetlands. The aims and outcomes of Pride Month touch every person, every charity, and every cause.
If you’re not sure how to get started on a new partnership, consider the many resources available, like this guide from the Charities Aid Foundation with five tips to collaborate with other charities. You’ll find suggestions on how to identify opportunities for collaboration and examples of how to make this work.
Even if you start small with an informal social gathering between your two organisations—who knows what the collaboration could grow into! In fact, partnerships are a proven way to boost the revenue and reach of all partners involved, meaning you can both generate more funds to support worthwhile causes. Even private-sector companies can leverage partnerships for greater good. For example, Harry’s (a shaving products company) created a limited-edition razor in honour of Pride Month and donated portions of the sale to the Albert Kennedy Trust to help vulnerable LGBTQ_+ youth.
Join your Local Pride Parade
Our last suggestion to support Pride Month is perhaps the most fun: join your local Pride Parade! Pride Month is all about demonstrating genuine understanding and solidarity and supporting our allies in the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride Parades are a physical and visual manifestation of this support through festivity, public gathering, and love. There’s no shortage of Pride Parades you and your charity can participate in. London’s Pride March (to be held Saturday 1 July 2023) is the largest in the UK, with an estimated attendance of 1.5 million people in 2022! However, there are pride events that happen all month long. Search online for local events and reach out to the Pride Parade organisers to show support and get involved.
This June, how will you honour and commemorate Pride Month? Will you demonstrate inclusivity within your own charity? Partner with others? March in solidarity and support of the LGBTQ+ community? There’s no shortage of memorable and impactful ways you can get involved, either individually or across your entire charity. We look forward to seeing and supporting YOU this month!