Valuable Resources for Families to Celebrate Pride

For over 50 years, every June our country celebrates Pride month which recognizes the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City. Pride month gives us the opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s history and culture and to recommit to the work that needs to be done to create full equality for all. While Pride started as a riot, today we celebrate with parades and celebratory events for the entire LGBTQ+ community. 

**GUEST POST: Thank you to my high school/dance friend Shannon Hughes-Brown for offering to put together this amazing informational post. Shannon lives in Connecticut with her spouse and two kids. She works in corporate communications. Through her volunteer work, she strives to educate and advocate for more inclusive policies and practices lGBTQ+ children.**

Here are Valuable Resources on How to Celebrate Pride

Read a book! 

There are many wonderful children’s books that include LGBTQ+ characters and teach about LGBTQ+ identities. Reading provides an opportunity for children to learn about someone else’s life. This helps children develop respect and empathy for others. Bonus: Color together! 

Create your own masterpiece and use it as an opportunity to talk to your child about what Pride means to you and how we can celebrate all people and who they love. Or download a FREE coloring worksheet here.

Go to a Pride event!

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While larger parades may be cancelled, there are still kid-friendly Pride events taking place from art shows to Drag Queen Story Hours. Look for an event near you. Connecticut readers: the Noah Webster Library in West Hartford is hosting a kids’ art show from June 20 to 30. The Yard Goats, Connecticut’s minor league baseball team, is hosting Pride night June 4. 

Go shopping! 

Here is a list of companies selling Pride merchandise, including Target, Disney and Bath and Body Works, that are giving back to LGBTQ+ organizations. Other stores not listed that are also supporting the community include Under Armour, L.L. Bean, vineyard vines and Boston-based t-shirt designer Johnny Cupcakes. Don’t forget about small businesses. Etsy has curated a list of its LGBTQ+ artists.

Watch a show!

Watch a show with your family that celebrate LGBTQ+ characters. Below are a few suggestions! 

Marvel Hero Project “Mighty Rebekah” on Disney+

Pixar Sparkshort “Out” on Disney+

The Baby-Sitters Club’ episode 4 on Netflix

Resources for Grown Ups to Celebrate Pride Month!

• Learn and understand proper terms to better communicate and show respect for others. This will also help when educating your children.
• Learn about the Stonewall Riots and how they kicked off a movement.
• Research the hundreds of anti-trans bills in state legislature’s now and find out how you can advocate for trans kids to let them play and receive life-saving healthcare.
• Watch documentaries and media with positive representations of the LGBTQ+ community. 

This June and throughout the year, let’s share the stories and experiences of our LGBTQ+ friends and family members. We can all be allies in this important work because we all deserve to be loved, supported and welcomed! 

How will you celebrate Pride Month? Share below!