Tips for 2SLGBTQ+ neighbours and allies to commemorate Pride
Each year in June, neighbourhoods proudly display rainbow flags as excitement and anticipation for Pride Month fills the air. This is a time to commemorate and celebrate the history, achievements, joy, and culture of the 2SLGBTQ+ community with festivities all month long. Pride Month isn’t just for those who identify as LGBTQ2S — it’s an opportunity for all neighbours to amplify messages of solidarity and show their support by creating a welcoming community.
At Nextdoor, we stand with the LGBTQ2S community and recognize Pride as a significant cultural moment representative of equal rights. We’re excited to share the return of the celebratory Nextdoor Pride logo during Pride, which we hope will help make 2SLGBTQ+ neighbours feel seen and welcomed on Nextdoor. We recognize that the fight for equality is never finished. Nextdoor’s policies state that any mistreatment, aggression, or unkindness shown to people on the basis of their gender and/or sexual orientation is prohibited on Nextdoor.
Fortunately, neighbours don’t have to wait for Pride Month each year to lift up 2SLGBTQ+ neighbours. It’s always the right time to show up for those in your community and contribute to an inclusive neighbourhood all year round. Everyone should feel welcome in their neighbourhood and it’s important for neighbours to have an active role in creating an inclusive neighbourhood. Below we explore some ways to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
What does 2SLGBTQ+ stand for?
Let’s start with understanding the essentials: What does 2SLGBTQ+ stand for? The acronym stands for: Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and all other orientations (+). In other words, the acronym refers to anyone who considers themselves outside the categories of heterosexual or cisgender.
Keep in mind, every person embraces their identity in different ways. That’s why it’s important to stay open, educated, and involved. To get involved locally, look for nearby 2SLGBTQ+ cultural or resource centers. Visit Nextdoor to find organizations offering free courses, educative materials, and outreach programs to support queer neighbours. Also, here are a few organizations offering support and education:
- Egale: An organization dedicated to improving the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada and to enhance the global response to 2SLGBTQ+ issues. Egale will achieve this by informing public policy, inspiring cultural change, and promoting human rights and inclusion through research, education, awareness and legal advocacy.
- The519: The 519 is a Toronto-based organization committed to the health, happiness and full participation of the LGBTQ2S communities. A City of Toronto agency with an innovative model of Service, Space and Leadership, they strive to make a difference in people’s lives, while working to promote inclusion, understanding and respect.
- 2SiMS: a not for profit organization dedicated to creating, maintaining, and strengthening a safe and supportive environment for 2 Spirit people to express themselves through cultural ways of knowing and being around gender and sexuality; and to succeed and be empowered in all areas that are grounded in the medicines that 2 Spirit people carry.
Use inclusive language
Make sure to be conscious of using inclusive and gender-neutral language. Positive, thoughtful words can help foster inclusivity and make a difference to 2SLGBTQ+ neighbours.
Not sure where to start? When addressing a group, instead of using gender-implying phrases like “ladies and gentlemen” or “guys,” try inclusive and gender-neutral terms like: “folks,” “everyone,” or “friends.”
Conversations shared with neighbours in passing directly contribute to the culture in your neighbourhood. Words are powerful and shape future interactions with others. To support the 2SLGBTQ+ community, consider how the words you use affect others.
Amplify 2SLGBTQ+ and minority voices
From participating in educational workshops to volunteering or making donations to local organizations for change, neighbours can show support by lifting up the voices and leaders of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Search Nextdoor for local centers that may be coordinating parades, receptions, movie screenings, and health services for all 2SLGBTQ+ neighbours and allies.
If you’re in the GTA, for example, check out the Pride Toronto website to see the events happening in Toronto.
Support 2SLGBTQ+ businesses in your area
There are countless businesses with 2SLGBTQ+ owners or support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Support these businesses and their success by finding queer-friendly business recommendations on Nextdoor in your area. Nextdoor Business Pages can connect you with 2SLGBTQ+ establishments to stay up to date on Pride Month events or deals they may be offering to celebrate.
Connect with neighbours to turn allyship into action
Your community can send a clear message of unity by welcoming all neighbours, including those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, to create stronger, more vibrant neighbourhoods. Show your support by celebrating Pride in fun ways by creating rainbow chalk art, putting out pride flags, or throwing a neighbourhood block party to celebrate Pride Month. These are great ways to invite others to participate in creating a safe and inclusive neighbourhood.
Start by reaching out to your neighbours on Nextdoor with a post to your local area or join or create a Nextdoor Group. On Nextdoor, you can organize community events and connect with neighbours in your community who are also interested in supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Consider building 2SLGBTQ+ initiatives for:
- Education and resource centers
- Donation funds
- Neighbourhood networks or cultural centers
- Peer support groups
- Youth school programs or education
- Community events (parades, fundraisers, etc.)
Celebrating Pride Month is a chance for neighbours to come together to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community and ultimately cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighbourhood they can rely on. We encourage neighbours to bring inclusive spirits to their neighbourhoods during Pride Month and beyond.
Thank you for your part to make Nextdoor a welcoming platform for 2SLGBTQ+ neighbours everywhere, and happy Pride to all.
How are you celebrating Pride Month in your neighbourhood? Share some inspiration with neighbours on Nextdoor.
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