Stay Safe and Sassy at Pride Events
Hey fabulous folks! Pride events are everyone’s time to shine, strut, and celebrate the beautiful spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you're waving your rainbow flag in June, catching some sun at a winter Pride in Fort Lauderdale or Blue Ridge Pride in September, safety should always be on your radar. Here’s your sassy, no-nonsense guide to staying safe while you party hard.
Pride Flag
Plan Like a Pro - Yes, queen…we all love a spontaneous moment, but a bit of planning goes a long way
Know the Layout: Get the lowdown on the event’s setup. Find those exits, first aid stations, and the best spots to see and be seen.
Check the Schedule: Keep tabs on what's happening and when. Parades, performances, drag shows—you don’t want to miss a thing.
Weather Savvy: Dress for the occasion, darlings. Sunscreen, water, and an outfit that screams 'I’m here, I’m queer' without melting in the heat - so tacky.
Squad Goals - Roll deep with your crew or at least have a backup plan
Buddy System: Partying with pals isn’t just more fun; it’s safer. No one gets left behind.
Share Your Location: Use your phone’s location-sharing feature with a trusted friend not at the event. Because disappearing acts are only fun in magic shows.
Meeting Points: Pick a spot to regroup if someone wanders off chasing glitter and rainbows.
Eyes Wide Open - Stay aware, stay safe, stay fabulous:
Stay Alert: Keep those eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary. And that’s a lot to ask at a Pride event, because we’re all extraordinary!
Avoid Dark Corners: Stick to the main areas. Secluded spots are great for quiet moments, but not so much for safety.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t stick around to find out.
Guard Your Goodies - Keep your stuff safe so you can focus on the fun:
Pack Light: Bring only the essentials. Leave the family jewels at home (or at least the pricey ones).
Secure Your Bag: A crossbody bag or fanny pack is your best friend. Hands-free for dancing and secure against sticky fingers.
Anti-Theft Gear: Look for bags with lockable zippers and RFID protection. Because tech can be fabulous too.
Hydrate and Moderate - Because nobody wants to be that person:
Water, Water, Water: Hydrate like it’s your job, especially if you’re in the sun.
Pace Yourself: Enjoy the drinks, but don’t go overboard. We’ve all seen the messy queen. Don’t be her.
Know Your Rights - Stay informed and empowered:
Local Laws: Brush up on the local laws and LGBTQ+ rights where you are. Knowledge is power.
Help on Hand: Have the contact info for event organizers, security, and local law enforcement. Better safe than sorry.
Emergency Ready - Because we can’t predict everything:
Emergency Exits: Know where they are. It’s Basic Safety 101.
Stay Cool: If something goes down, stay calm and follow instructions from event staff.
Report Suspicious Stuff: If you see something weird, say something. We’re all in this together.
Pride is a time to be loud, proud, and unapologetically you. With these tips, you can strut your stuff with confidence, knowing you’ve got safety covered. So go out there, have a blast, and show the world just how fabulous you are—safely!
Stay safe, stay proud, and slay all day!
