Celebrating Pride as an Introvert
Pride Month, and especially Pride Weekend, should be a time of celebration, of remembrance, and of resistance. But with the current climate, some of us queer folks might not feel up to the regular festivities (or even safe to do so). Here are some ways to practice self-care and honor your inner introvert this Pride weekend.
If You Want to Leave Home
Having Fun Isn’t Hard When You’ve Got a Library Card
Did you know queer people often cruised or picked up dates in public places discreetly? Not just outdoors at Buena Vista Park but also at places like SF’s Main Public Library. Consider dropping by the third floor, where you can learn more about queer history and pick up some LGBTQIA books at the James C Hormel Center.
Spend Time in Nature
Got a little energy to get outside but don’t necessarily want to be around a bunch of people? Feeling a little somber and reflective? Spend some time in the AIDS Memorial Grove at Golden Gate Park. The activists from the height of the AIDS epidemic fought for recognition, acceptance, and basic human decency, but many of them passed away during the struggle because of cruel dickheads like Ronald Reagan. If you are feeling tired, remembering their resilience and the ways they found joy in the darkest of times might give you some strength to keep fighting back.
Hike Twin Peaks
There’s a backstory behind the giant pink triangle you might have seen from your bedroom window. Go stretch your legs and have a hike up Twin Peaks, reflecting on the fact that San Francisco has such a big, bold display of Pride.
If You’re DONE With People
Catch a Flick
SF is home to the most widely recognized LGBTQ film festival. Want to enjoy Frameline’s fabulous collection but really not feeling up to attending an event? You can get a streaming pass and watch many intimately relatable stories even through June 30th, all from the comfort of your bedroom. Make yourself some popcorn and watch an unrealistic lesbian love story. Just like when you kept rewatching that one music video from TaTu secretly even though you knew they weren’t actually dating.
Test Your Drag
When’s the last time you visited your drag persona? Maybe it’s the right weekend to spend in front of a mirror laying down foundation and painting your eyebrows to be more expressive, especially if you’ve been feeling numb. Or go through your closet and pull out those suspenders that you’ve always wanted to wear. You don’t have to put on a show for anyone; it’s subversive just getting dressed in your finest genderqueer outfit and dancing around in your living room with your dog.
Host Your Own Album Listening Party
You don’t need to invite anyone. Just queue up Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange, put on a little outfit (even if it’s just sweats and a tee), and make some special snacks while you listen. If you don’t have a record player, stream the album cover to cover. It’s the consumption of queer media that’s the point, not the physicality.
And remember, you’re still queer whether you go to the parties or the parade or do something more lowkey this year. And you’re valid no matter what your reasons are. Happy Pride, Bay Area.
Howdy! My name is Katy Atchison and I'm an Associate Editor for Broke-Ass Stuart.
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