Celebrating Pride Sober – How to Show Your Support and Keep Your Recovery on Track
June is Pride Month and it’s a time for celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. During this month, we come together to celebrate those who changed history, as Pride Month recognizes the historic and present-day progress toward equality. Cities across the world honor this month by hosting vibrant events to show support and advocate for equal rights & opportunities for LGBTQIA+ members.
Celebrating Pride in June is meaningful because it aligns with the historic Stonewall Uprising, considered to be the catalyst for the Gay Rights Movement. On June 28, 1969, police raided The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York City. The bar patrons fought back, leading to the Stonewall Riots, lasting for days. The Stonewall Inn is now a historic landmark and national monument.
There is often a party atmosphere at many Pride events, as there is much to celebrate. However, if you are in recovery, you may wonder how you can celebrate Pride in a way that is healthy, supportive, and safe for you and your recovery.
If you are in the LGBTQIA+ community, you no doubt want to be included in the celebrations during June. There are often festivals, parties, and parades dedicated to your community. But, just like any holiday or celebration, there are a few pointers you can adopt to keep your recovery on track:
- Lean on your support system: This holds true for both your recovery support system and your LGBTQIA+ support system. If you have urges, cravings, or unhealthy thoughts, reach out to someone who is there for you. You may want to attend Pride events, but feeling confident in your emotions, mental state, and sobriety is essential before you insert yourself around alcohol. Voice these concerns to both of your support systems. Designate someone in recovery to be your companion while attending any events during Pride Month; this way, you have someone to hold you accountable, talk through triggers, enjoy your time with, and ensure one another is doing okay.
- Don’t skip your recovery meetings: You may find your social calendar booked with fun Pride Month events, and that is great, but don’t put your recovery meetings on the back burner. Maybe even attend a couple of extra meetings to ensure you stay on track.
- Plan ahead for Pride Month events: If you plan on attending Pride Month events where alcohol will be present, it is important to plan ahead. This means having an exit strategy if you become uncomfortable, triggered, or pressured during an event. Do not volunteer or be coaxed into being the designated driver; just because you are sober does not mean people should assume you can drive them around when they are intoxicated. This can be triggering and stressful for you. Always bring a buddy. Bring your own food and nonalcoholic beverages.
- Attend a sober Pride Month party, or better yet, throw one yourself: Grab some friends in your recovery circle and plan a Pride Month sober party. Even if your recovery friends are not in the LGBTQIA+ community, educating people and celebrating with LGBTQIA+ allies is also essential to spread awareness during this month.
- Volunteer: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month is not just about celebrations and parties; it is also about raising awareness in your community in the hopes that more people can accept and understand your community. Volunteer within the LGBTQIA+ community, whether in the arts, education, or culture surrounding Pride Month. You can most likely check within local social media LGBTQIA+ groups for volunteer opportunities. In addition, many communities have non-profit organizations that support, educate and advocate for LGBTQIA+ youth.
- Join a VIRTUAL Pride Event: Celebrate Pride Month from the comfort of your own home by joining a Pride event online. Invite your friends and offer a safe space where you all can join while steering clear of drugs and alcohol. This is a great way to expand your support network. Akua offers a FREE virtual support group for our LGBTQIA+ friends – join us every Tuesday in the Akua Pride Room!
- Be an LGBTQIA+ ally: Even if you are not in the LGBTQIA+ community, you can be an ally by attending events, learning more about this community, volunteering, advocating, and sharing kindness and love within the LGBTQIA+ community.
