8 Ways To Show PRIDE This Month In Washington, DC
Written By: Alex Earley, LGPC
History of Pride Month:
As we enter June, we commemorate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. This month gives us an opportunity to reflect on the strides that have been made and obstacles that continue to exist for the LGBTQIA+ population. As well as the powerful impact that Queer people have left on history and society as a whole. As an LGBTQ+ therapist at The Sterling Group in DC, I pride myself on being dedicated to fostering an environment of inclusivity and safeness for all. It is important to explore the origins of Pride Month, and ways to feel included and celebrate freely.
The origins of Pride Month date back to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City. The riots began due to a raid at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar, on June 28th, 1969. The raid sparked anger and outrage towards police officers due to harassment and discrimination towards members of the gay community. The protests lasted for about a week, and a year later the first gay pride parade called “Christopher Street Liberation Day” was held honoring the anniversary of the riots. The Stonewall Riots marked a pivotal shift in the beginnings of the gay rights movement.
In 1999, President Bill Clinton became the first President to formally declare June as “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month''. Since its beginnings, Pride Month has grown to honor inclusivity and diversity, including all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As of 2022, there were over 100 countries that celebrated Pride Month (or similar LGBTQIA+ visibility events) throughout the world. Pride Month has evolved to be more than just parades and marches. It has now become a month full of inclusive networking events, conferences, performances, and more. I’ll now go on to share some ways to commemorate Pride Month, as well as LGBTQIA+ owned businesses in DC to support.
Ways to Celebrate Pride Month:
While many of us may think of celebrating Pride Month in the form of donning rainbow flag apparel and attending parties/social events, those are not the only ways to celebrate. There are many impactful and meaningful ways to commemorate Pride Month and pay homage to the pioneers of the gay rights movement. Understanding how to support the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month (and year-round) is important in fostering a community of empathy and inclusivity. A few ways to honor Pride Month include:
Attend local parades, events, or festivals. Washington D.C. offers the Capital Pride Festival and Capital Pride Parade as a few, of many, opportunities to show up in celebration of Pride month. If you’re not in the local area, be sure to look into parades or festivals hosted in your city.
Visit and support LGBTQIA+ owned businesses including cafes, bookstores, clothing stores, artists and restaurants. See below for a list of LGBTQIA+ owned businesses locally in DC!
Get involved and volunteer with causes supporting LGBTQIA+ rights. Check out local event listings to find ways to support, volunteer, and immerse yourself in the community this Pride month.
Educate yourself and others on LGBTIA+ topics including history, mental health resources from LGBTQIA+ counselors, current events and challenges occurring in the community.
Donating to causes (such as Capital Pride Alliance and The Trevor Project) that support and uplift the community.
Use your voice to spread awareness and advocate for LGBTIQA+ needs and rights. Advocating can be done through social media posts and involvement in rallies and peaceful protests.
Exhibit and demonstrate support by contacting local government representatives about laws and issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Understand that Pride Month may invoke different feelings for different people. Pride Month festivities aren’t a standard practice for everyone, and remember that this month is optional.
LGBTQIA+ Owned Businesses in Washington, DC:
One important way to stand in solidarity with and celebrate Pride Month is by supporting LGBTQIA+ owned businesses. Bringing awareness and revenue to these businesses is a small, yet important way to continue the necessary progress in the area of economic empowerment. Some businesses to support in the DC area (and not just in the month of June!) include:
The Capital Candy Jar: A decorative sweets shop owned by Dave Burton located in NE DC.
Miss Pixie’s: A fun, eclectic boutique with furniture and miscellaneous vintage items, located in Adams Morgan, DC.
Loyalty Bookstores: A local bookstore containing works from a plethora of BIPOC and Queer authors, located in the Petworth neighborhood in DC and Silver Spring, MD.
Little District Books: A Queer-owned neighborhood bookstore that honors LGBTQIA+ authors and their stories, located in the Barrack’s Row neighborhood in DC.
Knead Hospitality & Design: A Queer-owned restaurant and hospitality company with multiple restaurants located throughout DC. Mi Vida, Gatsby, Succotash, and Mi Casa are a few restaurants within the company.
Red Bear Brewing: DC’s only gay-owned brewery, located in the NoMa neighborhood of DC.
Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse: A DC staple located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.
Logan 14 Aveda Salon & Medspa: A beautiful salon and spa oasis that caters to those looking for self-care and relaxation, located in the Logan Circle neighborhood in DC.
Thurst Lounge: DC’s first black and Queer-owned lounge, located in the U St. Corridor.
Licht Cafe: A popular local LGBTQIA+ cafe and bar, also located on U St.
If Pride Month is difficult for you or invokes hard feelings, remember, you are not alone. Please prioritize your mental health and utilize resources such as The Sterling Group to talk to a professional.
Connect with LGBTQ+ Counselors in Washington, DC
As we celebrate Pride Month and reflect on the history and significance of this important time, remember that prioritizing your mental health is essential. The Sterling Group in Washington, DC is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space for all individuals. Our LGBTQIA+ therapists are committed to supporting you in your journey toward well-being and inclusivity.
Consider the benefits of regular therapy sessions, especially during significant times like Pride Month. Having a therapist who understands and supports your unique experiences can make a significant difference. Our team of LGBTQ counselors at The Sterling Group is here to help you navigate your mental health needs.
In order to get connected with our therapy practice for young adults, follow these steps:
Reach out to us and schedule a consultation with us.
Meet with one of our LGBTQ therapists.
Take the first step towards a supportive and empowering therapeutic experience.
Therapy Services Offered in DC by Our LGBTQIA+ Counselors
All of our therapy services are LGBTQIA-inclusive and designed to be a safe place. Our services include therapy for developing identities and self-esteem, depression treatment, therapy for stress & anxiety, as well as executive function support. We also offer couples therapy for those who are looking to grow in their relationships. We would love to chat with you today about the ways we can support your growth at our counseling practice serving the Washington, DC area and Online in Virginia!
