Beyond Pride Month: Ways to Uplift LGBTQ+ Voices Year-Round

Pride Month is an incredible time for visibility, celebration, and activism, but true allyship extends far beyond June. Supporting the LGBTQ+ community requires consistent effort, advocacy, and action throughout the entire year. Whether you're an ally, part of the community, or simply looking for ways to make a difference, there are countless ways to uplift LGBTQ+ voices beyond Pride Month.

From advocating for LGBTQ+ rights to amplifying queer voices in media and supporting LGBTQ-owned businesses, this guide will help you become a year-round advocate for inclusivity and equality.

1. Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights All Year Long

Supporting LGBTQ+ rights goes beyond waving a rainbow flag in June. True advocacy involves ongoing efforts to fight discrimination, promote equal rights, and challenge oppressive systems.

Stay Informed on LGBTQ+ Issues

LGBTQ+ rights are constantly evolving, and staying informed is key to being an effective ally. Follow credible LGBTQ+ advocacy groups such as:

• GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)
• The Trevor Project (focused on LGBTQ+ youth and mental health)
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC) (fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in politics and society)
• National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) (supporting transgender rights)

By staying up to date on issues like anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, transgender healthcare rights, and workplace discrimination, you can be a more informed and proactive advocate.

Use Your Voice and Vote

Laws and policies have a direct impact on LGBTQ+ lives. Supporting pro-LGBTQ+ policies and candidates can help ensure legal protections for the community. Here’s how you can take action:

• Research political candidates and their stance on LGBTQ+ rights before voting.
• Contact your local representatives to advocate for inclusive policies.
• Participate in LGBTQ+ advocacy campaigns and petitions.

2. Support LGBTQ-Owned Businesses and Creators

One of the simplest ways to uplift LGBTQ+ voices is by supporting businesses, artists, and creators within the community. Financial support helps sustain LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and ensures their visibility in the market.

Shop LGBTQ-Owned Brands

Look for businesses owned by LGBTQ+ individuals and choose to spend your money there. Websites like Intentionalist and The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) provide directories of LGBTQ-owned businesses. Whether it’s clothing brands, bookstores, coffee shops, or beauty products, your purchasing power can help sustain queer entrepreneurs.

At TOMSCOUT, we take pride in being an LGBTQ-owned business dedicated to providing high-quality, community-focused products. Our mission is simple: by LGBTQ+, for LGBTQ+. We believe that representation in fashion and everyday essentials matters, ensuring that our community has access to products that meet their needs—made with care, quality, and inclusivity in mind.

Support LGBTQ+ Artists, Authors, and Musicians

Representation in the media is crucial. Supporting queer artists ensures their stories continue to be told. Here are some ways to uplift LGBTQ+ creators:

• Buy books by LGBTQ+ authors such as Carmen Maria Machado, Ocean Vuong, and Casey McQuiston.
• Listen to LGBTQ+ musicians like Lil Nas X, Hayley Kiyoko, and Sam Smith.
• Watch and promote TV shows and movies with authentic LGBTQ+ representation like "Heartstopper," "Pose," and "RuPaul’s Drag Race."

3. Create Safe and Inclusive Spaces

Creating safe environments where LGBTQ+ individuals feel seen and supported is essential in schools, workplaces, and communities.

Foster Inclusivity in the Workplace

LGBTQ+ individuals often face workplace discrimination or microaggressions. Here’s how employers and colleagues can help:

• Implement inclusive policies that protect LGBTQ+ employees.
• Use gender-inclusive language and pronouns.
• Offer LGBTQ+ training programs and diversity workshops.
• Create employee resource groups for LGBTQ+ workers.

Make Schools Safer for LGBTQ+ Youth

LGBTQ+ students are at higher risk of bullying and discrimination. Schools can take proactive steps to support them by:

• Establishing Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs).
• Using inclusive curricula that highlight LGBTQ+ history and contributions.
• Training staff on LGBTQ+ issues to ensure a safe learning environment.

4. Support LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Well-Being

LGBTQ+ individuals, especially youth, face higher rates of mental health challenges due to discrimination, rejection, and societal pressures. You can help by:

Promoting Mental Health Resources

Organizations like The Trevor Project, It Gets Better Project, and Trans Lifeline provide vital mental health services for LGBTQ+ individuals. Share these resources and donate if you can.

Being a Supportive Friend or Family Member

If someone in your life is LGBTQ+, show them love and support beyond just saying, “I accept you.” Some meaningful ways to do this include:

• Using their correct pronouns and chosen name.
• Listening without judgment.
• Offering emotional support when they face challenges.

5. Challenge Discrimination and Bias

Everyday actions can help combat homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination. Being an active bystander and speaking up when you witness injustice makes a significant impact.

Call Out Discrimination

If you hear homophobic or transphobic comments, challenge them respectfully but firmly. Educate others on why such language is harmful.

Diversify Your Social Circles

Engage with people from different backgrounds and identities. Exposure to diverse perspectives fosters empathy and understanding.

 

6. Keep Celebrating LGBTQ+ Joy

While advocacy and activism are crucial, it’s also important to celebrate the joy, resilience, and accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community.

Participate in LGBTQ+ Events Year-Round

Pride isn’t just for June! Many cities host LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, such as:

• LGBTQ+ film festivals showcasing queer stories.
• Drag shows supporting LGBTQ+ performers.
• Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31) and National Coming Out Day (October 11).

Make LGBTQ+ Support a Year-Round Commitment

LGBTQ+ support shouldn't start and end with Pride Month. Real allyship means advocating for rights, supporting LGBTQ-owned businesses, creating inclusive spaces, and amplifying queer voices every single day.

By taking action — big or small — you contribute to a world where LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe, valued, and celebrated year-round.