Yes, Pride Month is smiles and parades and living your truth with rainbows. It’s JVN waving from a float wearing a sparkly dress in NYC. It’s my son giving me a trans flag pin, and leading the school Pride parade. It’s a community celebrating itself and making itself visible.

And, the reason that I’m a little down this Pride Month, is that it’s a community under attack, so all the shiny, sparkly, colorful activities in the world seem to be a little duller. But, let’s stop my pity part and get on with it. Here’s how you can make a real difference during Pride Month:

1. Buy your stuff from LGBTQ+-run stores. Is there a bakery near you run by a gay couple? Shop there. Buy a shirt online from a LGBTQ+ organization. (I bought the cutest shirt that says “HUMAN” in the different flag designs. Love it.) Spend your money to support real people in the real world directly.

2. Contact your U.S. and State representative about anti-trans legislation. It’s everywhere, and it needs to stop. PLEASE contact your U.S. Representative and state legislator, letting them know that you do not support anti-trans legislation. OpenStates.org also allows you to see what exact bills are being proposed in your state at the moment. Take a second to look through what’s coming, and then refer to a specific bill if you want, or just be general. Every email makes a difference. I’ve put quick and easy links to contact your representatives in the “Resources” section.

3. Donate to LGBTQ+ organizations. Non-profits sometimes run on a shoestring. There is a list below of LGBTQ+ non-profits. Even the amount of a cup of coffee makes a difference. I know it sounds cynical, but it’s true: money talks. The more money the LGBTQ+ organizations have, the louder they can be, the more help and support they can provide the queer community in the form of support groups, camps, activities, safe spaces, political pushback, and just being there.

Now, I’m going to put on my little trans flag pin, my HUMAN shirt, and shuffle the kids off to school. Happy Pride, everyone!

Political Resources

Find Your Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Find Your State Legislator: https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/

LGBTQ+ non-profits

Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center: https://newavenues.org/smyrc/ An amazing non-profit that supports LGBTQ+ youth with a safe space, where they can create art, play music, join open mic nights, drag shows, and support groups. Also provides counseling, school support, and much more.

Cascade AIDS Project: https://www.capnw.org A queer-centric health center.

The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org Mental health help for the LGBTQ+ community.

10 Nonprofits to donate to during Pride Month (and beyond!): https://www.moneygeek.com/financial-planning/lgbtq-charities/

8 Portland LGBTQ+ Non-Profits: https://www.wweek.com/culture/2019/06/12/eight-portland-lgbtq-nonprofits/