Five Actionable Insights from Riverside’s 2024 Pride Celebration

Riverside’s annual Pride celebrations embrace diversity and help pave the way to a more accepting future. Our 2024 event uplifted people of all gender identities, empowered attendees to live authentically, and celebrated the strength of the LGBTQ+ community.

The following takeaways from Confidently Me: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation are for LGBTQ+ individuals and anyone eager to support the community.

 

 

1. Level Up from Ally to Equity Accomplice

“Allyship is such an important aspect of {supporting the LGBTQ+ community,}” says Mason Dunn, featured guest speaker and Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce Director of Education and Research. “But it’s not the end destination.”

While allyship is often a passive element, Mason refers to those who take action as “equity accomplices.” Level up to an equity accomplice by…

• proactively advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, especially when community members aren’t present. If LGBTQ+ individuals aren’t included in the conversation, equity accomplices need to step up and fight for their presence.
• supporting LGBTQ+ authors, artists, and business owners. The Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Pride Catalog has detailed information about local LGBTQ+ businesses to support.
• voting for politicians dedicated to upholding LGBTQ+ legal and social equality.

 

2. Coming Out Doesn’t Have to be a Linear Process

Coming out, or inviting people in, doesn’t have to be accomplished in one bold declaration to the world. LGBTQ+ individuals often feel comfortable coming out in gradual stages to friends and specific family members before publicly announcing their sexuality or gender identity.

Equity accomplices can demonstrate their support throughout this process by offering encouragement, providing relevant resources, and helping a loved one come out if they’d like assistance. When someone invites you in, it’s an act of trust, and honoring that trust by keeping these details private is essential.

 

 

3. Fight Against Hatred by Centering Joy

Though the current climate for LGBTQ+ people can sometimes be difficult to navigate, it’s important to proactively emphasize the joy that comes from celebrating your identity. Mason Dunn elaborates on this powerful concept in the video below.

 

4. Representation Matters

Riverside’s Pride celebration included a lively reading from A Bug Travels Far: A Dangerous Turn, the first book in a new series created to add LGBTQ+ characters to children’s literature and build transgender awareness.

The book stars Ty Fly, a courageous transgender bug who overcomes challenges both on and off the baseball field. His journey is meant to inspire and empower young readers, as 89% of LGBTQ+ youth reported that queer representation in media positively impacts their feelings about their identity.

All book proceeds go to The Trevor Project and Boston Samaritan- get your copy now!

 

 

5. Be Confidently You

Living authentically inspires others to embrace their true selves with courage and conviction and allows your genuine light to shine brightly. Whether it’s wearing the clothes you want, changing your pronoun, trying out a new hobby, or finding the courage to ask out someone special, celebrate your unique identity during Pride month and beyond.

Don’t let others push back against who you know yourself to be ❤️

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