Find 2021 Pride Month Events here.
The month of June brings with it the celebration of Pride, a vibrant, rainbow-filled recognition of the LGBTQ community. While it is traditionally marked with fun in person events like a parade, like everything else, Pride looks a little different in 2020. But there are still plenty of ways to celebrate with the kids right from your own home.
What Is Pride Month?
June is recognized as Pride Month to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall riots at New York City’s Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969. Pride events celebrate the uprising annually, with many celebrations scheduled around the last weekend in June.
In addition to recognizing the decades-long—and still ongoing—fight for equal rights in the LGBTQ community, Pride is meant to be an affirming celebration of all that the community has accomplished. While images abound of over-the-top, colorful costumes at Pride parades, there are many family friendly ways to celebrate Pride.
Here are a few ways you can celebrate Pride Month in Des Moines:
Attend a Virtual Pride Event
Capital City Pride will host a number of virtual events throughout the month.
June 12 – 2020 Virtual Pride Fest: Silent Disco DJ Party
June 20 – 2020 Virtual Pride Fest: DLL Pride Fun Run (5K)
June 27 – 2020 Virtual Pride Fest: Pride Pet Parade
June 28 – 2020 Virtual Pride Fest: Pride Flag Parade
Learn About LGBTQ History
Now a National Monument, you can visit the Stonewall Inn online at the colorful Stonewall Forever virtual monument.
You can stream “Stonewall Forever” the documentary, which is most appropriate for teens and up.
Read up on a dozen leaders in LGBTQ history.
Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s Illegal to be You: Gay History Beyond Stonewall online exhibition.
Read Kid Friendly LGBTQ Focused Books
Todd Parr’s The Family Book is filled with brightly-hued illustrations and a simple storyline that celebrates families of all types.
Learn the story of Harvey Milk and the symbolism behind the rainbow flag in Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag.
Introduce your child to same-sex families with Heather Has Two Mommies or Daddy, Papa, and Me
Read the empowering Pink is for Boys in an effort to set aside gender stereotypes.
Throw a Pride Month Party of Your Own
Music Ideas
- Andy Cohen’s Ultimate Bravo Pride Playlist
- Topisfy’s Pride Party 2020 Playlist
- The Disney Pride Playlist
Food Ideas
- Rainbow themed cookies, cupcakes or cakes from a local Des Moines bakery.
- Rita’s Rainbow Treat from Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard in West Des Moines.
- Rainbow fruit skewers.
Décor
Let us know your suggestions for celebrating Pride Month as a family in Des Moines in the Comments below.
