---

It's Pride month! And where I am, Pride Weekend is coming fast.

If you're like me and you're not a fan of crowds, noise and heat, there may not seem like there are many good ways to go out and participate.

But I keep having these conversations, like...

What are you doing for pride weekend?

I don't really have any plans.

Oh... but I thought you were...

Yeah, I am.

And that can feel kind of isolating.

Remember that many LGBTQ+ folks choose not to or aren't able to participate in the big Pride events.

It just feels like a giant clubbing weekend. Not my thing.

The celebrations in my city aren't accessible.

It's just company floats and corporate sponsorships. That doesn't have anything to do with me.

I'm not out and I'm scared someone will see me.

I work weekends.

I just like being home!

I spent some time feeling like because I wasn't enjoying Pride, I was being a bad queer person. I felt like I was losing my space in the community by not going.

I'd just feel like

This doesn't feel like me. Maybe I don't belong here.

So this is your official Robot Hugs reminder that your identity is real and valid, whether you're a dancer on a float, or you're chilling at home.

Pride isn't (just) a party; it's a recognition of our existence, a celebration of our victories, and a time to reflect on what needs to be done both out in the world and within our own community.

There are lots of ways to participate in that!

Put up a picture of you and a partner or two.

Buy some queer media made by queer people.

Write your local rep about an issue that matters to you.

Contribute to a protest or activism event.

Point out one way that your workplace can be more friendly to queer and trans folks.

Or, simply (and in many ways, most effectively) donate to an organization that supports queer rights.

Pride feels complicated for me, and I know I'm not the only one.

So It's important that you know that you are valid, you are valued, and I see you.

Happy Pride Month, in whatever way that means to you.