[ad_1]
Hello fashionistas!! I’m so excited today to leverage my YEARS of experience as a Plus Size blogger to share my BEST tips for joining YOUR first Pride!
Or maybe the second, third, fourth, etc. your pride. We all love some tips!
Tips for Participating in the Pride Parade for the First Time
Hi! My name is Brianne (she) and I’m the plus size LGBT blogger behind it Hunter Woman! Marie (founder of EIC and The Curvy Fashionista) invited me to write some for this year’s Pride month and I’m so excited to share mine!
Below I’ve shared ALL my rookie tips I wish I had! Whether you’re attending your local Pride, SF Pride, ATL Pride, NYC Pride, etc, I know my tips will help!
Are you ready?! C’mon GOOOOOO!!!
Pre-Workout: Set Expectations with Friends
Whenever I have a bad experience at Pride, it’s usually because I haven’t set expectations for my team. Before you go with a group, be sure to discuss:
- Band width: How much does everyone see themselves in Pride?
- Priorities: What is the #1 thing every friend in the group wants to do? (From checking out local LGBT vendors to performing artists to clubs – what do people want to DO?)
- Peel: What are the rules/expectations around someone who is entertaining himself? Are they planning to check in? Are you all considering leaving Pride (or a club, etc.) together? No need to embarrass anyone, just be realistic about logging in. I had to track down one or two of my drunk friends during Pride and I WISH I had these conversations!
Tip #1 for First Pride: Share Your Location!
Ok, I know not everyone has an iPhone, so this first tip may not apply to everyone. When it comes to attending Pride with your best friends, I recommend you all hit the “Share Location” button to make it easier for you to find each other. Pride can be crowded!! I was also going to learn the “Pin Drop” feature so we can find each other more easily! These iPhone features are a LIFSAVER to join the pride.
Moreover! I told my friends not jokingly that I wanted to give everyone an Apple Air Tag next year, lol.
#2 Tip for First Pride: Be Aware of Protesters – Have a Safety Plan
I wish that wasn’t the case, but I’d be doing you a disservice if I wasn’t honest about the security component around Pride.
I remember going to my first Pride Parade and being a little shocked by the number of protesters. This, combined with the current political environment, prompted me to share the following:
- Never go to your car or home alone
- Watch all drinks
- Review emergency exits on arrival
- Don’t be afraid to tell someone it’s bothering you! Pride is all about celebration and I NEVER hesitate to say “Hey, you’re bothering me”. I also lie FREELY to get myself out of an insecure situation!
- VERY IMPORTANT! Make a safety pact with your friends – would it be nice if someone met a cute girl and wanted to have fun? So, have a check-in plan with your people! No need to check but there must be a plan for who goes home with whom and how plans can change that!
3 Tips for First Pride: Waist Bags and Backpacks – NO TOTE BAG!
Okay, one of the BEST mistakes I’ve seen at Pride are cute little whimsical sweets trying to stay organized using a canvas tote bag.
My cute little buttercup, it’s STRESSED!
I recommend getting a fanny pack, fanny pack or small mini backpack for the day. (Don’t oversize your bag if you don’t want to carry EVERYONE’s stuff!)
Moreover! Bumps and bruises happen in Pride as we are all too busy having fun and may not see that extra step or pavement. Ahem. I would definitely recommend bringing some small first aid kit!
#4 Tip for First Pride: Megababe Stick
Okay, I have a confession: As a plus-size baby, I don’t struggle with thigh chafing as much as my friends! BUT, it can shine during the Pride Parade – there is a LOT of marching. I’m fine most days, but when I’m traveling or in Pride in the summer — I strategize how to do it avoid thigh friction!
I’ve had multiple bros that I’ve recommended Megababe Thigh Recovery Stick, so I’m adding it to our chat! I know TCF Team love Megababe too!
5 Tips for First Pride: Air Fans
Recently my best friend Victoria, Fly for a gingerHe came to visit me in Salt Lake City. And oh my god, it was PREPARED with fans! It has a handheld fan and a NECK FAN to keep yourself cool in hot weather.
GENIUS!
#6 Tip for First Pride: SHOES
Okay, I’m DEFINITELY guilty of wearing SUPER CUTE SHOES to Pride and winking in pain a few hours later.
So, I recommend either buying cute and COMFORTABLE shoes (rainbow Converse, anyone?) or bringing a pair of flip-flops to change into!
#7 Tip for First Pride: PARKING
Now let’s talk about everyone’s (favorite) subject: PARKING. In the case of Pride, I usually drive and park my car at a local store for the day, then share my way downtown (~10 minutes). Parking at Pride can be a nightmare!! You can also strategize your public transport options depending on your location.
#8 Tip for First Pride: Wear a Helpful Flag
Listen, part of Pride’s fun is getting the hang of it (for me at least!)! I think sharing your pronouns is the easiest way to convey what kind of person you are interested in by attaching a small button on etsy and another button with a flag for your custom id. From the bisexual pride flag to the agender or asexual flag, it’s good to be seen/recognised, and also let people know what’s going on! 😉
#9 Tip for First Pride: Buy TICKETS
I had to learn this the hard way at SF Pride! Many clubs and restaurants have Pride Weekend events that are buuuuut due to popularity – they sell tickets for these events.
Don’t forget to buy your tickets a month before Pride!!
Share Your Tips Below!
There’s no way I’d write a completely comprehensive guide to pride (though that WOULD be great!). Share your tips for participating in Pride below and the TCF Team will LOVE it! <3
[ad_2]
Source link