How to Celebrate Gay Pride Without Being a Jerk

Full marriage equality in all 50 states has just been declared and it's getting to be LGBTQ Pride Time across the U.S. and beyond. That means rainbow flags, rainbow bunting, rainbow margaritas, and drag queens named Rainbow dressed as rainbows parading down your city's main streets.

Who wouldn’t want to join the party?

In recent years, American Pride marches and related celebrations have been increasingly joined by members of the straight community who identify as allies and want to support queer friends and family. Pride parades have also changed shape in many ways, moving from radical shows of gay and lesbian unity against persecution to a more amorphous celebration of all types of queerness, as well as the rights and protections we have gained.

By all means, throw on some glitter and experience Pride in your city if you are so inclined. But remember that Pride means something deep and historic to the queer community. Here are a few things to consider when Pride rolls through, whether you are a Pride-parading queer, a straight ally, or just happen to live on the parade route.