All pride celebrations were canceled or postponed as a result of COVID-19. However, according to LBGT+, their pride will not be silenced.

The LGBT+ community has decided to host pride celebrations online via Facebook live or zoom calls. 

“I think it’s definitely important to keep pride happening because it really isn’t just an event; it’s an observation of our community too. Canceling it would be way too reductive of what it means in the first place,” said Allison O’Dell, senior and LGBT+ member.  

June will be jam-packed with online celebrations depending on one’s location. Pride media will join Pride Live for Stonewall Day to raise funds for LGBTQ+ organizations most affected by the pandemic on June 26.  Global Pride will hold the largest virtual festival on June 27. 

Holding celebrations online works because so many LGBT+ youths use social media as a safe space. Not all LGBT+ members have accepting families, so they turn to their virtual families of the LGBT+ community. 

“I think that continuing some forms of online pride even with a return to normal can be beneficial for people who aren’t out or cannot go to pride for other reasons,” said O’Dell.