Pride Advice 2025: What Not to Do This June

June is here, and that means the rainbow logos are rolling out. But in 2025, we need to talk about what Pride isn’t—because queer folks, especially our trans siblings are under siege. Again.

This isn’t just a celebration. It’s a crisis.

This year alone, over 800 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the country—most aimed at trans and nonbinary youth, healthcare bans, speech restrictions, and legal protections. In Iowa, we suffered one of our greatest political losses in years: the removal of gender identity from the state’s civil rights code. It’s devastating—and it’s a signal of what’s to come if people with power and privilege stay silent.

And yet, every June, businesses and organizations drape themselves in rainbows while staying silent or absent the rest of the year.

This is called performative allyship (also known as “rainbow-washing”). It’s not just lazy—it’s dangerous.

So before you throw on that rainbow tee or snap a selfie at Pride fest, ask yourself: Are you showing up in ways that matter?

What Not to Do This Pride Month

For Businesses

Rainbow merch is not a strategy. If you didn’t speak up during legislative attacks, if you haven’t supported LGBTQ+ employees, or if you only show up in June—it’s time to change course.

Do this instead:

• Join or create an LGBTQ business coalition in your community.

• Publicly oppose anti-LGBTQ+ legislation—not just when it's convenient.

• Audit your policies and workplace culture.

• Fund local queer-led groups doing year-round work in hostile environments.

For Organizations

Don’t just call your local LGBTQ+ nonprofit asking for a speaker or a Pride Month tabling opportunity.

They’re already doing triple-duty—running community events, managing volunteers, and holding the line against dangerous policies. If you haven’t supported them before June, don’t add to their burden.

Do this instead:

• Reach out in July and ask, “How can we build something real together?”

• Use your June programming to educate the public about the threats facing queer people.

• Leverage your organization’s power to spotlight LGBTQ+ stories year-round.

For Individuals

Yes, Pride is joyful. But it’s rooted in protest.

Before you change your profile pic or stock up on rainbow gear, reflect: Have you shown up for your queer and trans friends this year?

Ask yourself:

• Did I check in on my LGBTQ+ friends and family, especially those in hostile states?

• Did I speak out or contact lawmakers about anti-LGBTQ+ legislation?

• Did I donate to local and state-based queer orgs doing the real work?

If not—don’t just show up at Pride. Step up.

What You Can Do Right Now

Donate to LGBTQ+ organizations—especially those on the frontlines in states like Iowa. Here are a few I personally support:

• Family Equality – The only national org solely focused on LGBTQ+ families.

• One Iowa Action – We stopped more than 40 anti-LGBTQ+ bills this session. But we lost gender identity protections. Help us elect pro-equality lawmakers in November.

• Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund – Providing small, life-saving grants to Iowans seeking gender-affirming care. Their support is critical in the wake of Iowa’s care ban.

Pride is not a vibe. It’s a responsibility.

It’s a commitment to fight, to care, and to act—even when there aren’t rainbows everywhere. Let’s make this June more than just colorful. Let’s make it count.

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