Each year in June, neighbourhoods proudly display rainbow flags as excitement and anticipation for Pride Month fills the air. This is a time to commemorate and celebrate the history, achievements, joy, and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community with festivities all month long. Pride Month isn’t just for those who identify as LGBTQIA+ — it’s an opportunity for all neighbours to amplify messages of solidarity and show their support by creating a welcoming community.
At Nextdoor, we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and recognise Pride as a significant cultural moment representative of equal rights. We’re excited to share the return of the celebratory Nextdoor Pride logo, which we hope will help make LGBTQIA+ neighbours feel seen and welcomed on Nextdoor. We recognise that the fight for equality is never finished. Nextdoor’s policies state that any mistreatment, aggression, or unkindness shown to people on the basis of their gender and/or sexual orientation is prohibited on Nextdoor.
Fortunately, neighbours don’t have to wait for Pride Month each year to lift up LGBTQIA+ neighbours. It’s always the right time to show up for those in your community and contribute to an inclusive neighbourhood all year round. Everyone should feel welcome in their neighbourhood and it’s important for neighbours to have an active role in creating an inclusive neighbourhood. Below we explore some ways to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and find local events this Pride Month.
What does LGBTQIA+ stand for?
Let’s start with understanding the essentials: What does LGBTQIA+ stand for? The acronym stands for: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic, and All other orientations (+). In other words, the acronym refers to anyone who considers themselves outside the categories of heterosexual or cisgender.
Keep in mind, that every person embraces their identity in different ways. That’s why it’s important to stay open, educated, and involved. Here are national resources to learn more:
- LGBT Foundation is a national charity delivering advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities.
- MindOut provides mental health support to the LGBTQ+ community. Their dedicated services help people experiencing isolation and increased levels of discrimination and victimisation.
- House of Rainbow creates a safe place for LGBTIQ+ people of faith including asylum seekers and supports LGBTIQ individuals to reconcile their sexuality and spirituality.
- Stonewall stands for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people everywhere and creates change programmes with institutions to make an impact. In particular, their glossary of terms is helpful when communicating about and with the LGBTQ+ community.
- Hidayah provides support and welfare for LGBTQI+ Muslims and promotes social justice and education to counter discrimination, prejudice and injustice.
To get involved locally, look for nearby LGBTQIA+ cultural or resource centres. Visit Nextdoor to find organisations offering free courses, educative materials, and outreach programs to support queer neighbours.
Use inclusive language
Make sure to be conscious of using inclusive and gender-neutral language. Positive, thoughtful words can help foster inclusivity and make a difference to LGBTQIA+ neighbours.
Not sure where to start? When addressing a group, instead of using gender-implying phrases like “ladies and gentlemen” or “guys,” try inclusive and gender-neutral terms like: “folks,” “everyone,” or “friends.”
Conversations shared with neighbours in passing directly contribute to the culture in your neighbourhood. Words are powerful and shape future interactions with others. To support the LGBTQIA+ community, consider how the words you use affect others.
Amplify LGBTQIA+ and minority voices
From participating in educational workshops to volunteering or making donations to local organisations for change, neighbours can show support by lifting up the voices and leaders of the LGBTQIA+ community. Search Nextdoor for local centres that may be coordinating parades, receptions, film screenings, and health services for all LGBTQIA+ neighbours and allies. If they are not on Nextdoor, you can still post or recommend them.
Support LGBTQIA+ businesses in your area
There are countless businesses with LGBTQIA+ owners or support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Support these businesses and their success by finding queer-friendly business recommendations on Nextdoor in your area. Nextdoor Business Pages can connect you with LGBTQIA+ establishments to stay up to date on Pride Month events or deals they may be offering to celebrate. The more neighbours can play a part in lifting up businesses that support the LGBTQIA+ community, the more inclusive and resilient communities can become.
Connect with neighbours to turn allyship in action
Your community can send a clear message of unity by welcoming all neighbours, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+, to create stronger, more vibrant neighbourhoods. Show your support by celebrating Pride in fun ways by creating rainbow chalk art, putting out pride flags, or throwing a neighbourhood block party to celebrate Pride Month. These are great ways to invite others to participate in creating a safe and inclusive neighbourhood.
Start by reaching out to your neighbours on Nextdoor with a post to your local area or join or create a Nextdoor Group. On Nextdoor, you can organise community events and connect with neighbours in your community who are also interested in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Consider building LGBTQIA+ initiatives for:
- Education and resource centres
- Donation funds
- Neighbourhood networks or cultural centres
- Peer support groups
- Youth school programs or education
- Community events (parades, fundraisers, etc.)
Celebrating Pride Month is a chance for neighbours to come together to support the LGBTQIA+ community and ultimately cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighbourhood they can rely on. We encourage neighbours to bring inclusive spirits to their neighbourhoods during Pride Month and beyond.
Thank you for your part to make Nextdoor a welcoming platform for LGBTQIA+ neighbours everywhere, and happy Pride to all.
How are you celebrating Pride Month in your neighbourhood? Share some inspiration with neighbours on Nextdoor.
To connect with your local neighbourhood, download the app or login at nextdoor.co.uk.
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