Happy Pride to all members of the LGBTQ+ community! While this year is slightly different, with most places still on lockdown and a lot of pride parades around the world being postponed, that’s not going to get in the way of celebrations. Many events have simply adapted and are moving online this year, which is brilliant. June is Pride Month because that’s when the Stonewall riots took place, June 1969. When 8 police officers raided the Stonewall Inn (a gay bar in Greenwich Village) the bar responded and fought back. While the Stonewall riot wasn’t the beginning of the movement, it did act as catalyst for many others to join the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and that’s worth marking. So, here are 4 ways to celebrate Pride Month during lockdown (we’re aware that there are many more, so please feel free to share them with us!)

1. Pride Inside

Using platforms such as TikTok and Zoom, Amnesty International has partnered with UK Black Pride,Stonewall and ParaPride to create Pride Inside to celebrate Pride Month in lockdown. Taking place Sunday 28^thJune – Sunday 5^thJuly, this digital calendar will include artists, musicians, activists, comedians and DJs who are coming together to perform, host talks and hold workshops. There’ll be panel discussions that you can attend, as well as art-based events. It’s perfect to showcase truly talented LGBTQ+ entertainers and artists. They’ll be announcing the line-up soon. Mark the dates in your calendar!

2. Coming Out

Pride in London have created an all year-round guide to queer events called Coming Out. They’ll have a listing of queer digital events across London (you can list your own events on there as well.) This platform will be focusing on LGBTQ+ community run events. It’s free to post events and allies are very much welcome to attend and support. These events will include poetry, parties and protests to name a few. This is a great platform as it will offer events beyond June. All events will be checked and verified for safety and they’ll also happily help promote queer events. Another way to celebrate Pride Month in lockdown is to donate, if you’re able, to the Pride in London Unity Fund to raise money for grassroots LGBT+ groups across the country.

3. Global Pride Singalong

Brought to you by Global Pride 2020 on the 27^thJune, there will be a livestreamed 24-hour event. This will be streamed on the Global Pride website, YouTube with other services to be announced soon. This free event to celebrate Pride Month in lockdown will feature activist speeches, addresses from public figures such as the President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado Quesada (Costa Rica legalised equal marriage last month) Prime Ministers of Norway Erna Solberg and Luxembourg Xavier Bettel and Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of India. There will, of course, be singing as it’s a singalong. Artists such as Courtney Act, Ava Max and the Dixie Chicks are set to perform!

4. Speed Dating

Pride in London and Date in a Dash have teamed up to host quite a few virtual speed dating events for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate Pride Month during lockdown. These events will take place on the 5^thJune, 26^thJune, 3^rdJuly and 31^stJuly at 7.30 pm on all dates. The speed dating costs £10 to attend and there are still tickets left (5^thJune is almost sold out!) The speed dating will take place in a virtual ‘date room’ and all the dates will last for 4 minutes, better practice your icebreakers!

So, there you have it! 4 ways to celebrate Pride Month during lockdown! There are many ways to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Champion LGBTQ+ voices and find ways to be a better ally. Take the time to be educated on LGBTQ+ history and rights. Happy Pride peeps!