Obergefell v. Hodges This past June marked the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising against a police raid in Manhattan, New York City. The event became a major symbol of visibility amongst the gay rights movement within the United States and has been the precursor to monumentally decisions such as , which legalized same-sex marriage at the national level. Cities and organizations honor the progression of LGBTQ+ rights by throwing parades and upselling rainbow-themed merchandise every summer, yet oftentimes do not go any further into exploring the history of Pride or how to help the queer community beyond the month of June. Here are a list of six ways to be an ally to the queer community at all times of the year on a financial, rhetorical, and social level.

1. Before even attending a Pride parade, it is important to realize why it exists in the first place.

The first marches occurred in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, only a year after Stonewall, indicating their solidarity with the event and refusal to remain silent in the face of adversity. While there existed pro-LGBT events prior to Stonewall, such as The Annual Reminder walk in Philadelphia, they did not exist with the same sort of loudness, colorfulness, and joy with which Pride parades have adopted over the last 49 years. Pride parades exist because there was once a time when the LGBTQ community existed in even more day-to-day fear than they do now, and allies would do well to understand their visitor status in Pride parades.

2. Allies can do their part by donating a couple dollars a month to LGBTQ organizations

3. Support LGBTQ-owned businesses online and locally.

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce helps businesses that are majority-owned and operated by those within the LGBTQ community get certified, and allows them to join a coalition of other like-minded businesses. Keeping an eye out for businesses with this approval will ensure that your money is truly helping out the queer community. LGBTQ Nation has also created a list of 24 small businesses to support here .

4. Supporting major companies that offer rainbow-themed merchandise

5. When facilitating the introduction of new people in a group, include a space for people to insert their pronouns

6. Vote for local and national representatives who have a history of being an ally to the LGBTQ community in their decisions and rhetoric. Vote Smart has an easy-to-use database which allows people to search where their representatives stand on LGBTQ issues, as well as locate their contact information. Look for all-around progressive candidates such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren or Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to support since many issues like universal child care and healthcare for all are intersectional concerns within the LGBTQ community as well. For a somber example, this month marks three years since the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, which encompasses social issues of racism and gun ownership as well. By voting for candidates who support intersectional approaches to improving the LGBTQ community’s everyday lives, allyship can be driven to the polls and into our laws to ensure a better quality of life for all.