Pride didn’t end in June, it’s a year-round practice

As someone who’s both a therapist and part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I’ve seen a familiar theme come up year after year:

“I wasn’t able to attend Pride this year.”

“I missed Pride again.”

“Another year being away during Pride.”

Every time I hear it, I feel the need to remind people: Pride doesn’t end on June 30th. Pride is all year. Every single day.

Yes, it's beautiful to see our community show up and show out in June - to see our flags flying, to feel the visibility, the joy, the love. But we have to remember: there was a time we didn’t even get a single day. The generations before us - the ones who risked everything to be seen, to be heard, to exist - could only dream of this kind of public recognition.

And even now, pride is more than a month. It always has been.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, pride is:

A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

That definition says nothing about parades or retail campaigns. Pride isn’t about being seen by others, it’s about claiming space for yourself. It’s about honoring who you are, where you’ve been, and who you’re becoming.

So, if you couldn’t make it to “Pride,” if you weren’t in a place to celebrate loudly, if you’re still navigating safety, identity, or acceptance - you haven’t missed your chance. Here are a few ways you can carry and nurture your pride all year long:

1. Create your own Pride ritual

You don’t need a parade to feel proud. Maybe it’s wearing something that makes you feel like you, journaling about your growth, listening to queer artists, or just taking a moment to reflect on how far you've come. Pride is deeply personal - make it yours.

2. Find community beyond the month

That sense of belonging we feel in June doesn’t have to fade. Look for queer-affirming spaces in your area, support groups, online communities - anywhere you can show up fully and be met with understanding.

3. Hold space for complex emotions

Not every Pride experience is joyful. For some, it brings up grief, anger, loneliness, or old wounds. That’s okay. Let yourself feel it. Therapy, creative expression, or just taking a quiet moment to check in with yourself can help you work through it - without judgment.

4. Pay attention to what’s real

Let’s be honest - not every rainbow logo means real support. It can feel off when companies show up in June, then disappear by July. If that doesn’t sit right with you, it’s okay to tune it out. Put your energy into the people and spaces that show up for you all year, not just when it’s trendy.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

You don’t need a big “coming out” moment to celebrate yourself. Maybe today’s win was correcting someone on how you identify. Maybe it was setting a boundary. Or maybe it was just getting out of bed and choosing to be here. Every small moment of self-affirmation counts.

6. Ask for Support When You Need It

Pride isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s okay to need help. Whether it’s talking to a friend, joining a support group, or finding a therapist who really gets it - reaching out is part of taking care of yourself. You deserve support that sees all of you - not just in June, but every day.

Pride isn’t just a one-month event - it’s a life journey. It’s about showing up for yourself in a world that hasn’t always made that easy. Whether you’re loud and visible, quiet and healing, or still figuring it all out - you belong.

So here we are in August. The glitter may have settled, the flags might have come down, but the truth stays the same: Pride lives in all of us - and it never expires.