If you’ve been looking for some ways to show off your identity to the world and live life to the fullest, Pride Palace is here with a few suggestions.
Once you have the basics, you can expand on them and make them your own. Go wild. Be innovative. The things that make you happy may differ from what brings someone else joy, and that’s okay.
So, if you're looking for a little bit of inspiration, read on!
1) Show Off Your Style with What You Wear
One of the best ways to show off your identity is with unique clothes that showcase your personality. After all, most people won't know that you're part of the LGBTQ+ community just by looking at you. Showing off your pride can make you even more confident.
For that reason, Pride Palace offers plenty of options from subtle pride rings to not-so-subtle pride hoodies so you can show off your pride and feel solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Plus, if you go out rocking an LGBTQ+ pride look, you might end up meeting some new friends in the community. Don’t be afraid to show people who you are!
2) Get Involved in Your Community, LGBTQ+ and Beyond
There are so many people in the LGBTQ+ community who would love to meet you and be friends with you. Our community is made up of unique, loving, and welcoming people who have amazing stories of strength, courage, and just plain fun to share. The LGBTQ+ community might be where you meet your next best friend, group of friends or even just people to rely on when you are going through something.
In fact, organizations like The Trevor Project provide 24-hour hotline services for members of the LGBTQ+ community who just need to hear a friendly voice.
During the pandemic, many people have taken advantage of online social groups. Online forums are a fantastic way to find like-minded people you can talk to when you just need to get things off your chest. Joining an online group can be the perfect way to meet people, even ones who don't live anywhere near you. After all, we all need friends to lean on.
Outside of local LGBTQ+ groups, there are plenty of local organizations and nonprofits that would be happy to have you get involved. Charity work is extremely fulfilling and helps you get in touch with other parts of your identity and important causes.
You don't have to work for a pre-existing organization either. If you are enterprising and want to give back to your community, you can start your own food drive or gather resources from neighbors, family, and friends to donate on your own to those in need.
Whether you believe in karma in the universe or not, there is no doubt that your kindness will be rewarded in some way or another. One of the best ways to get in touch with inner happiness is to help create happiness for others.
3) Make Decisions That Meet Your Needs
When we talk about making the right decisions for you, we mean that you have to put yourself first. You can’t love others until you first love yourself, which can be really hard at times.
Many people find it easy to put their own needs and preferences on the back burner while taking care of people who need them for one reason or another. It can be hard or a bit challenging at first, especially if it’s a major change, but you need to find it in yourself to put yourself first sometimes.
Everyone has a different way of doing this, so sit down and think about the things in your life that aren't contributing to your happiness, and see if there is anything you can do about it. Try and channel your inner Marie Kondo and think about everything in terms of "Does this spark joy?" If not, it may not be worth your time.
You need to give yourself the time, space, and freedom that you need if you truly want to be happy. Sometimes that means making decisions like taking a break from social media, spending less time with a particular relative just because they’re your relative, or seeking a change in your career — regardless, you only have one life to live, and it’s yours!
4) Celebrate Your Identity in Your Own Way
No matter how you identify, there is a pride day for you to celebrate. Celebrating a pride day doesn't have to mean marching in a parade, although that is definitely one way to have a lot of fun! You and your friends or neighbors could organize a yearly get-together or outdoor barbecue to celebrate. Or you and your family can use an existing day, or make your own, to take a moment just to celebrate who you are. It might be the day you mustered up the courage to come out, or you might want to weave it into your birthday, but the celebration of your identity is an important part of being human, and your identity is one of those things that is simply worth celebrating.
Some people might not be out among their friends or family, but that doesn't mean they can't celebrate, too. We would love to see a world where everyone can be open with who they are, but you may not be ready for that quite yet, or you might think it's no one's business but your own.
Both of these are totally okay! In either case, you can still make time to take pride in your identity. Maybe you pick up a book written by a queer author or give a new band a listen. It could be as simple as picking a movie to put on that tells the story of someone in the LGBTQ+ community or really basking in an Orange Is The New Black binge.
It’s your journey, so don’t be afraid to make it your own, whatever that looks like.
Takeaway
The whole point of being yourself is celebrating what makes you unique. Some of these ideas might not be for you, and that's perfectly okay! Everyone should take the time to think about what makes them happy and how to find true joy in their lives.
Every day that you are alive is another opportunity to do something that makes you happy, so take full advantage of it, and be YOU.
Sources:
https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7jvbq/how-to-celebrate-pride-quietly-when-you-arent-totally-out
Comments
I love reading all of these comments and stories, but if someone working at this place is reading this, you gotta make a furry pride flag. Just saying, would make me super happy
my name is Greyson, I’m 22 years old, I’m transgender, ftm, I came out to my parents and they don’t accept me but my dad.
I am deaf however I am hard of hearing, so i am gay because that first time when i was kid because it long story anyway i already told my parents when in Christmas so ibwas 24 years old then i told you my parents and my parents say i am so happy for you and i love you too ❤️ yea i am so happy 😊
I’m an ally. Years ago, my daughter posted on Facebook that she was pansexual. I was like, ‘WTF is that?!? It’s not even one of the letters.’ I had to Google it.
Today, looking at all the flags, there were a bunch of identifiers (not sure if that’s the right term) that I’ve never even heard of. Is there a glossary somewhere that explains what the labels mean? Having a hard time keeping up with all the new terminology. I work a lot of events and don’t want to inadvertently offend anyone. 🤗🌈
I am nonbinary, been out to my second social media accounts, just not to my family yet, I’m just glad that I found an online community that is so accepting ❤️
I’ve been trying to do this since my daughter n I ordered flags so here I go I’m so proud of my daughter for being who she is her BFF was concerned female at the beginning of grd 6 n at the beginning of grd 7 her friend is transgender n them /they also change name my daughter makes all kinds of flags with the explanation on the back it’s amazing n she made sure that I got Allie towards LGBTQ + I apologize if I don’t write the proper lingo but I don’t care if your purple with yellow poka dots I’ve been around mostly gay transvestite for I’ve had salon n worked film industry n etc. But now a days so different n like I said her friend was Kathleen n now Ash thx for listening
I’ve been trying to do this since my daughter n I ordered flags so here I go I’m so proud of my daughter for being who she is her BFF was concerned female at the beginning of grd 6 n at the beginning of grd 7 her friend is transgender n them /they also change name my daughter makes all kinds of flags with the explanation on the back it’s amazing n she made sure that I got Allie towards LGBTQ + I apologize if I don’t write the proper lingo but I don’t care if your purple with yellow poka dots I’ve been around mostly gay transvestite for I’ve had salon n worked film industry n etc. But now a days so different n like I said her friend was Kathleen n now Ash thx for listening
I never know if “coming out” are the right words? My granddaughter expressed that she was a girl when she was only 5yrs old. Now, at 11 she has changed her name officially and been accepted by her peers for who she is. My worry for her is that she is about to move into secondary education and will endure far greater ignorance or tolerance of her sexuality. She lives where there is very little help/assistance or acknowledgement of the pride community let alone her age group. She is currently worrying about entering puberty are there any suggestions or contact links people here can give me for support – specifically for transgending children ?
Hi, for 63 years knew I did not fit in the cis world, but did not know why, Though born into a male body always felt more female than male , but hey I like girls, and society is cool with that . Took my 16 year old granddaughter going out to know out genderflud. Much content
www.gracefelicialawrence.com
Thank you for the free flags! Paying shipping is one way to support your work, which is so important. As a more recent, coming out later in life lesbian, I love having some tangible ways to be authentic to who I am!
I stand by my original comment that 29$ for 2 ‘free’ flags is far too high I mean it doesn’t cost to send that through the mail and if ypu do pay that ypur paying far too much. I appreciate the free flags but with almost $30 for shipping is insane.
i’m openly non-binary (they/them) though my parents are totally unhappy about it and i was siked when i got enough money to order a non-binary flag! :)
I honestly feel that my mom doesn’t believe my Sexuality when I told her. I have been trying to find away to get a Bisexual flag, but I don’t have any money to buy one, and it sucks because I really want a Bisexual flag
i cannot be “out” and open about who, how and why i am. i live in a politically and religiously conservative rural area. Your suggestions are cool, they work for people in Urban areas, but not for me.
So proud of my daughter who just came out a month ago, and her girlfriend is amazing. This also allowed my other daughter to come out as well. Proud mom moment 🌈
I’m jus glad to b who I am and I want a flag 🏳️🌈
I’m Addi (She/Her) and I’m a 26 year old trans girl from Central New York (Upstate). I have been out of the closet for just over a year and I’m happy to be a girl! I use heavy metal to empower me. I also enjoy skiing and going on road trips.
Thank you for this….and you know what, right now I don’t know where I can place the flags but damn, they are amazing and I think I will get them!!! Part of loving myself, right????!!!
And I love my new self…..I am looking into many clothing lines to help celebrate my Pride!!!!🏳️🌈
I’m lyndzey a transgender person just came out fully 4 months ago now living as a woman an in the process to become a woman fully
My name is Nadia. Thank you for your support and your words. I am an older lesbian who had to deal with quite a lot of homophobic people and situations when it is nice to seen the changes and how the younger generations are standing up for themselves and telling the world that enough is enough.. 👏❤
Hey I’m a pan that is still struggling to learn about this community even though I’m a part of it. I still struggle with who I am and I just really appreciate the knowledge that there are people like me who are still learning and that there are good people out there.
🌈🌈🌈
Hey there! My name is Koa and I’m 19, still living with my parents though. I don’t have a job yet and I have about a year of school left. I’m a genderfluid sapphic, but the girl I love lives several states away. Neither of us have money to be able to visit each other… What should I do?
I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here being here for me for everyone! I’m only beginning to learn to love myself I came out last year at the age of 52 years old! but I am a young At heart. I’m still having a rough time adjusting mainly with my father. When I 1st told him he sounded so supportive and now over the months that support is faded away. But by seeing everything everybody and the support that I can find around me I mean I will stay strong And continue to love myself as I have always known that I was a lesbian and I am proud to say that today!
Hey. Im 59. Just lost my wife in September 2021 to covid. We were together 36 years. I feel like some straight people do not understand exactly what Im going through.
Hi there! I am a 51 year old trans woman just beginning my journey. I am loving this site and all the support you offer the community. Take care and love each other!
We just wanted to – again – say thank you so much for being proud and visible for us all. This is ANOTHER wonderful LGBTQIAplus community that we have found so much support from.
And for anyone reading this in the future, we support you, we love you, and we care – really care – about you being your best self, because we’ve been in those dark places, and didn’t think anyone was listening, like we were invisible. If your bio fam won’t support you, we’ll be your Trans-ma on the Interwebs. Even if you change your mind tomorrow and decide your insides are going in a different direction, you will ALWAYS be Trans Enough for us.
🌈🏳️⚧️💗🌅
Hi my name is Heidi I’m 12 and I’m bisexual the kids in my school (most of my friends to) are homophobic. My dad says I shouldn’t be able to support pride because of my age but my mom thinks otherwise.
Love This 💜⚧🌈
Hey, I’m Jordan and I’m a trans man.
My family refuses to support my identity and it’s been quite a battle mentally and emotionally. Over the past 3 years since coming out, I’m learning to be more confident in myself and find my own happiness.
I know how hard it can be. Just keep fighting for a better future, it’s out there.
I am a trans-male and i am pansexual. my mother refuses to believe me and my father does not speak to me as often. i am scared. i know that my sis will always have my back, she came out to me as lesbian, and i am so happy to know that there is a lgbtq+ safe place.🏳🌈
Hi, I am a 16 year old pansexual girl, and my whole family is extremely homophobic. My mother disowned her cousin for being bisexual and getting engaged to her secret girlfriend, and she’d do the same thing to me if she ever found out. I’m just in some need of support, and I don’t know where to turn to get some. I’ve been hiding this for almost 4 years. I don’t want to hide any longer, and I’m hurting
Hi everyone my name is Lovely-Alaajiah I’m 19 and I’m a non-binary Lesbian, I came out when I was 16yrs old, my pronouns are she/they. Coming out was hard because I was outed to my family but it helped me be a lot stronger 💪 and the person I am today. 🏳️🌈💯
Im pan And poly and trans in ik how to love myself but i still get call names because im poly
Hi my name is Alejandro Ruiz and I am 15 years old and indentify as a transmale because I am a female and my dead name is Carolina Ruiz. For years I felt like I was born in the wrong body and was mostly a male figure then a female one. Some of my family judged while others didn’t my mother mocked and made fun of me and I was pretty hurt… the one person I thought cared about me didn’t I’m glad other people did when people didn’t 😁. I then found pridepalace on TikTok and now I have a place where I can finally truly be me in a safe place 🥺 thank you so much for giving me a place to truly be myself 😁🏳️⚧️
Hi my name is Alejandro Ruiz and I am 15 years old and indentify as a transmale because I am a female and my dead name is Carolina Ruiz. For years I felt like I was born in the wrong body and was mostly a male figure then a female one. Some of my family judged while others didn’t my mother mocked and made fun of me and I was pretty hurt… the one person I thought cared about me didn’t I’m glad other people did when people didn’t 😁. I then found pridepalace on TikTok and now I have a place where I can finally truly be me in a safe place 🥺 thank you so much for giving me a place to truly be myself 😁🏳️⚧️
Hey! My name is Macey, Im a german twitch streamer and im proudly bi!
I put myself near people who either support or who are apart of the lgbtqia+ and im so happy that people can express who and, what they are with no shame!🏳🌈🇩🇪
Hi everyone. My name’s Clarence Alexander Pryor and I’m gay. I’m diagnosed with a high functioning Autism spectrum called Aspergers when I was 2 years old way back. I’m a proud swimmer who loves wearing Speedos and I’m a YouTube vlogger who’s also a longtime fan of Nintendo. For who I am and for who we are, we are out, loud and proud that follows the journey to where our hearts lead to different and better things in life. You all can be anything you want to be and live your life authentically each and every day like I have for myself. Happy Pride to all out there! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💖🤎🖤🤍🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
Hi! I’m jess, and I’m non-binary. That’s the first time I’ve said that out loud. 🤩🌈
Hello my name is Nolan, I am trans ftm. I joined pride palace because it was the first Lgbtq+ store I have seen a couple months back. Though, I have seen it on tiktok so many times and fell in love with your products. Im working on trying to save up for the gay pride flag since I don’t have one yet. Happy Pride Month everyone.
Hi I’m Jordan and im in the LGBTQ+youth Wich and on that im 13 and I have a boyfriend who is bi but it doesn’t matter love is love
Be in this lovely community of Lgbtq is so much more than I could’ve ever be this community is my family l love all of you guys
Hi I’m Bee(that is my chosen name) because I identify as non-binary and I’m not sure what my sexuality is I know i like all genders though. I joined the pride palace because I thought it would be cool to actually join something that mean Dalit to me. ❤️
I have a girlfriend
I’m a lesbian
I only came out officially 3yrs ago. The first person I told was my daughter who was 14 at the time
She cried and was excited that we were able to celebrate together. Shes bisexual as well. I’ve always supported her
We went to our very first pride fest 2yrs ago in reading pa
It was an amazing experience
I love having something this meaningful to share with her.
We figure out how to do this! We live for ourself , we accept ourself. We love ourselves. No longer hunting for that whatever I’m missing piece that we’ve been looking for so now we know where it’s at.. I just want we find peace and overall enjoyment in life but until we live life for ourselves as ourselves that is something that we can not obtain!!! I work in mental health I am a proud member of the community lgbtq community I’m transgender! And unfortunately I learned most of these lessons the hard way. I grew up in Arkansas Delta farming community until I already got to college I never met another person who identified as gay or trans until I got to college! And that’s how I got into this kind of work I’ve lost friends in the community I’ve lost family members and I want to try to help you have better resources and support!!! It
Starts and ends with you in the mirror!! Every time you look I to the mirror you’re seeing the most important reason to keep going!! You are worth it Amber Allen ❤️💜💖
This is SO important to note. Thank you for providing these amazing tips <3