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News & Updates

What Comes After Pride?

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Pride Month may be over, but the work of building inclusive, safe and affirming communities is far from done. The rights and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ people still need to be fiercely protected.  

So, what comes next? For many, the time after Pride Month is for reflection. A time to shift from celebration to commitment. An opportunity to pause and ask: What am I doing to support queer and trans people in my everyday life? How is my workplace, school or organization showing up beyond June? 

The answer isn’t always simple, but it’s always necessary. 
 

Keep the Momentum Going 

For allies, this means moving from performance to meaningful action. For organizations, it means embedding inclusion into their policies, programs and leadership representation. 

Here are a few ways to check in with yourself and your community post-Pride: 

 

Check Your Commitment 

Ask yourself and your organization: 

  • Are we creating opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ voices to be heard? 

  • Have we set long-term goals for inclusion, or only short-term visibility? 

  • Are queer and trans people involved in decision-making processes? 

  • Is there 2SLGBTQIA+ representation across leadership roles? 

 

Accountability means tracking your impact and being honest about where there’s room to grow. 

 

Support Queer Joy and Wellness 

After the excitement of Pride fades, many 2SLGBTQIA+ folks feel isolated and tired. Queer joy doesn’t need to be reserved for parades and big events. 

  • Continue showing up for queer art, events, small businesses and mutual aid year-round 

  • Check in on your queer friends, coworkers and family members 

  • Donate to organizations that support gender-affirming care, youth housing and crisis services 

 

Build Safer Spaces, Every Day 

Inclusivity takes ongoing effort. 

  • Revisit your workplace or community policies to ensure they consider and include people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities 

  • Continue to normalize the use of pronouns, inclusive signage and accessible programming 

  • Offer ongoing staff training, not just annual “diversity days” 

 

Challenge Hate When You See It 

Hate doesn’t take a break after June. Whether it shows up in a classroom, boardroom or group chat, we cannot stay silent. Inaction is never neutral. 

  • Speak up. Stay informed. Share resources 

  • Interrupt harmful narratives and misinformation, even when it’s uncomfortable 

  • Remember: it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being present and making continuous progress 

 

Pride is a Spark. Keep it Burning. 

The real transformation happens after Pride—in the quiet, consistent actions that affirm dignity, challenge systems of oppression and build communities rooted in justice. 

At YWCA, we remain committed to equity, inclusion and solidarity not just in June, but every day. Because Pride isn’t just a moment, it’s a movement. The work has to continue. 

 

Social Change
 
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