7 tips for your first Pride Parade
This past weekend, I went to my first LGBTQ+ pride parade. It was fun and I got my first Bi pride flag there. It’s hanging in my room now. It was really fun and I have some first hand tips for those of you wanting to attend a pride parade in the future.
Tip #1: Bring/Buy Water. I was parched almost the entire time. Always make sure you have a non-alcoholic cold drink to keep you hydrated
Tip #2: The parade lasts for hours, but you should at least go for the beginning of it. You don’t have to go for the whole time. You can meet others who identify as your gender or sexuality and give them a slight nod.
Someone gave me a Bi Card that kinda looked like a business card, and it was awesome. I didn’t even know them. I was also waiting in line for some water and a fellow Bisexual with a flag around their neck walked in and we high-fived each other. I am also an avid Supernatural fan, and while my friend and I were waiting for the bathroom, a person with a Supernatural bag and shirt walked past us and we complemented them.
Tip #3: Bring cash, not credit. Keep your cash close to you. If you want to buy things to commemorate your time there, bring cash. Not every vendor takes credit cards and you don’t want to use too much money
Tip #4: There might be people in the Parade handing out rainbow flags. Accept them. You can wave them around and they are very portable and very free.
Tip #5: Bring a friend, whether it be one of your straight friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, or other, make sure you bring a friend. You aren’t required to, but from experience, having at least one other person with you is better than nobody.
My friend had to leave about an hour before I did, so I know how it feels.
Tip #6: Don’t Fight or even acknowledge the haters and protesters. They are entitled to their opinion, no matter how fucked up it is. Just walk past them and ignore them completely. You are surrounded by others who accept you for who you are, even though they are complete strangers.
Tip #7: BE YOURSELF. As long as you don’t physically harm anyone or break any laws or that stuff, GO WILD. This is the time to celebrate who you are as a person. Go up and hug a stranger (with their consent). Kiss your significant other in the street right before the first float arrives. YOU ARE YOU!!! NEVER FORGET OR LOOSE SIGHT OF WHO YOU LOVE AND YOU ARE!!!!