New York is remarkable! It is the beautiful cities, but it is the Pride movement’s birthplace and should be the place top of your list to celebrate Pride, assuming it is safe to do so (check restrictions). Every June, the city throws epic parties that move and inspire as people have a good time. So much usually happens throughout Pride month, and it can be overwhelming for those who have never experienced it before. Still, with the right planning, it should be an experience to remember.
All Prides of the world began from NYC Pride, and the movement that started in 1970 has spread, resulting in the Pride season that we find today. The Pride continues to take place around or on the Stonewall riots’ anniversary every year, the largest being on June 30th, and 2021 will be no exception. So to carry through this day, there are a few things to consider to prepare:
- Be smart and aware
Ensure that you fully charge your devices and carry a portable charger so that you can take memorable photos all day without worry. Also, write down an address or phone number you can call on a piece of paper if you get lost during the parade as a backup if your phone goes off and cannot access Google Maps to get home or find friends.
You could also choose a friend you can go with and be accountable for each other and enjoy the day together. You can also join and check out on Facebook, etc., if you do not have a buddy. Research the city, from the times, routes, and maps; all these things should be at your fingertips given that the parade is the largest. Find out where the parking, public restrooms, emergency hotlines, police stations, water refill stations, etc., are located.
- Pack the essentials
Ensure you have sorted your American visa weeks before or if your country is part of the VWP, then ensure that you have sorted your ESTA for the USA weeks before. Sorting your documents is vital for security reasons, and you do not want to get disappointed since your travel documents have issues or last-minute rash.
Carry a fanny pack, crossbody, or something so that you can have your hands free to fly the flag or dance around. Have your SPF to avoid sunburns and refillable water bottles to stay hydrated. You can have cash at hand to avoid the long lines at ATMs during the Pride parade. Put in your first aid kit and light bites just in case you are hungry, and finally, your Pride paraphernalia that you decided to make or a flag might be enough.
- Use your clothes to show your Pride.
Dress up in clothes that show your personality. This is a season to wear all the colors at once since rainbow-inspired is the season’s central theme. Wear anything that you are confident in and express yourself. You could look for brands that donate profits for LGBTQ-charities so that your outfit still has meaning.
The NYC Pride is a movement and a historical moment that you will feel to be a part of, so have a fantastic time and do you.