Every June, the world gets a little more colourful.
Pride Month brings parades, events, panel talks and a tidal wave of rainbow merch. For a few weeks, 2SLGBTQ+ communities are at the centre of attention. That visibility is affirming and joyful for many.
Then the calendar flips to July and things change. Decorations come down. Events dwindle. Queer creators get fewer calls. For many in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, that shift makes allyship during Pride Month ring hollow.
The Centre for Sexuality lives our values of showing up for queer and trans communities all year long. We support youth who are figuring out who they are. We guide parents who want to show up better for their kids. We train professionals to build safer, more inclusive spaces in schools, medical practices and offices. And we know that this work doesn’t stop on June 30.
True allyship goes beyond Pride. If you are wondering what steps you can take to offer meaningful support, here are a few places to start:
Speak up (especially) when it’s hard
Pride Month events are fun and joyful, but the festive nature of Pride can obscure real issues facing queer folks. 2SLGBTQ+ people continue to face discrimination, hatred, violence and the erosion of rights.
It’s easy to share a Pride post or attend a drag brunch in June, but it’s harder to interrupt a homophobic joke at a family dinner or advocate for trans rights at a school board meeting. But speaking up during those tough moments can have the greatest impact for 2SLGBTQ+ people.
Keep learning
Learning shouldn’t be limited to the time of year when everyone is doing it. Allyship isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to ask better questions and listen to queer voices.
Explore queer histories. Listen to podcasts by 2SLGBTQ+ creators. Read books by authors who reflect identities and experiences different from your own. Learning throughout the year not only makes you a better ally, but also enriches your own life by seeing the world through a rich diversity of perspectives.
Looking for guidance? We offer training for professionals in all sectors to create safer, more inclusive environments in the workplace and beyond.
Support starts at home
If you’re a parent or caregiver, one of the most powerful things you can do is create a home where your child knows they’ll be loved and supported no matter how they identify. That means:
- reflecting on your own biases (we all have them!)
- using inclusive language
- asking thoughtful questions
- leading with curiosity instead of fear
If you find conversations about sexuality, identity and relationships intimidating, you’re not alone! This is something we hear often from parents of children of all ages. Our parent programs are here to help you navigate these conversations and build affirming, open family relationships.
Engage with queer-led organizations all year
2SLGBTQ+ organizations don’t hibernate until next June! We’re running education programs, responding to policy changes, supporting families and creating safer spaces every single day. If you want to maximize your impact, show up when it’s quieter. That’s when it matters most.
You can:
- become a monthly donor to ensure sustainable funding for programs and services
- volunteer your time or skills
- share our work on social media or through word of mouth
Pride is just the beginning
Let Pride be the spark that ignites deeper commitment to equality and well-being for all. As we are every year, we’ll be here doing the work when the flags come down. We hope you will too.