For members of the LGBTQ+ community, the month of June tends to be important. This is because many places around the world use this month for celebrating Pride. With origins tracing back to 1969, Pride events pay honor to the Stonewall riots that occurred in New York City. After weeks of heavy raids on bars and clubs belonging to members of the queer community, the people fought back against police brutality in an effort to take a stand against an establishment that denied them their basic rights. 

While Pride is held in June as a way of remembering this important moment in LGBTQ+ history, it’s not the only time of year worth celebrating love and self-expression in all its forms. Take a look at these ideas for keeping the fires of Pride burning even when June comes to a close.

Broaden Your Knowledge

LGBTQ+ community history is not always taught in classrooms. Though academic curriculums are changing to include a wider range of perspectives, you often need to do the work yourself in order to learn about famous individuals who have identified as queer. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Pride year round, make a commitment to learning more about the community. Whether you’re curious about those who led the Stonewall riots, such as Marsha P. Johnson, or you want to understand the history of marriage equality, a book or documentary may have the answers you seek.

Join an Organization

If you’ve attended a Pride event, you’ve likely seen how many nonprofits and volunteer-based organizations exist in the LGBTQ+ community. Public acceptance has changed in favor of many gay and lesbian issues. Still, there are still major inadequacies and prejudices inherent in society. From homelessness and drug abuse to psychological trauma, the problems rampant in the community are a lot for any one group to handle. Volunteering is an amazing way to spend your time at any point in the year to help those in need.

It’s important to note that you should put some research into the various organizations you are interested in working with. Fraudulent charities have long preyed on the good intentions of those who want to help. With LGBTQ+ lifestyles becoming more accepted worldwide, cases of fake queer-related nonprofits has spiked. Research charities you find interesting and try to “follow the money” to ensure the donated funds wind up where intended.

Support a Business

Few resources are as vital to a person’s livelihood as money. If you want to make a difference and celebrate Pride all year long, consider supporting a business owned by a member of the community. There are likely a handful of businesses in your area that fit the criteria. However, the internet makes this task even easier. Do a quick Google search of LGBTQ+ business directories to easily discover a plethora of options covering all possible industries.

Follow Important Leaders

Social media is a great platform for those with an important message. These days, plenty of grassroots organizers use apps like Instagram and Facebook to put together events and inform the public of major issues. If you want to become more aware of what’s going on around the world, start following the accounts of activists who inspire you to take action. Research influencers in this realm and gain more perspective on the names and faces shaping the world of LGBTQ+ rights.

Though Pride might take place during a specific month, there are plenty of reasons to keep celebrating Pride after June. Whether you volunteer with a nonprofit or learn more about major events in queer history, you can take simple steps in order to broaden your understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.