What a long, long time ago June 2019 seems like right now. It was the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, and more than 100,000 people watched or participated in the New York City Pride Parade. We’re in a different world now, with Pride events all over the world canceled. But that most certainly does not mean that you and your kids need to spend the day inside moping. It’s time to make Pride happen at home, everyone!
There are plenty of on-demand and live-streaming events for Pride month. It’s hard to imagine sitting in front of a computer taking the place of that life-affirming, love-accepting loud and glittery street party. You can be proud sitting down, but it’s just less fun that way. For a celebration in the true spirit of Pride, you’re going to need to put in a little effort. Here we’ve listed some craft projects, decorating ideas (for your home and your little paraders themselves), as well as anything you need to march through your neighborhood streets to show everyone that love is love, even when we’re social-distancing.
For those families with no one that’s LGBTQ-identifying (or not yet), you don’t need to sit this out. This is still a great moment to celebrate and talk about being a loving, inclusive ally to all.
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Open Your (Origami) Hearts
The lesson of pride we like to teach young children is simply that love is love. Sit down with your family and cut out paper hearts, or fold origami hearts according to these easy instructions, and spread the love throughout your home.
Paint Your Pride, Body Edition
This body paint crayon gives you an even, orderly Pride rainbow anywhere you like. If there ever were a time to let the kids go nuts painting themselves, it’s now.
Show Your Love All Year Long
Cross-stitching has become the hot new hobby of quarantine, and we love this chance to make it expressive. You can download a PDF of this pattern, and so many others, from Etsy right now.
Become Magical Unicorns
If your kids aren’t already acquainted with the joys of body glitter, this is your chance. Unicorn Snot now has a biodegradable version of its glitter sunscreen.
Go Campier With Rainbow Tie-Dye
Hey, even the contestants on Project Runway had to make their own tie-dye last season, so this hippie/camp craft is definitely a fashion fit for Pride. This tutorial teaches you how to make a heart in the middle of your creation.
Be the Marching Band
Whether you’re taking this procession around the blog or just keeping it indoors, it will be greatly improved by a festive rhythm session. These tambourines light up, too!
Wave Your Mini-Flag High
While you may be missing the giant, flowing flags that take a dozen people to carry at a traditional Pride parade, maybe replacing them with a dozen very cute small ones will make you feel better. This project uses construction paper and straws, but winds up looking very sharp.
Watch NYC From Home
If you’ve never been to NYC Pride, this is your chance to experience it … well, just like all New Yorkers will. Because it’s airing on ABC, it’s all-but guaranteed to be super safe for younger viewers, who are sure to love Janelle Monae’s performance.
Decorate Your Floats
Adorn your parade floats (strollers and bicycles?) just like the pros do, with a rainbow of balloons. These work in doorways and staircases, too. This tutorial shows you how to make a standalone balloon arch, too.
Stream Drag Queen Story Hour
If your kid struggles to pay attention for the entire length of a picture book, chances are the person reading to them is not in full-on drag like the queens who have hosted this storytime at libraries all over the country. On June 27, they’re hosting a live DQSH on Zoom, featuring stories, lip-syncing and sing-alongs. Kids and parents are encouraged to dress up, and tickets are $15-$50.
Be Allies
If no one in your DIY party identifies as LGBTQ, don’t let that stop you from celebrating those you can’t be with right now. Normally, we’d suggest you by an ally shirt from a nonprofit like the Human Rights Campaign, but since it’s June already and you want the shirt ASAP, you can buy this on Amazon and donate to a fund separately.
Go Campy With Rainbow Bracelets
If you need to do something a little quieter or meditative than a home-parade-dance party, or perhaps in preparation for it, we highly recommend teaching your kids how to make rainbow friendship bracelets. Without summer camp, how else will they learn this essential skill?
Paint Your Pride
It’s hard to imagine wearing a denim jacket in June where we live, but maybe it suits your climate. In any case, this project from YouTuber Jarrett Adamson just uses fabric paint and masking tape — and could just as easily be translated to a T-shirt or shorts.
Color Your Heart Out
Here’s a quiet-time activity that can also get turned into a parade flag or window decor. Even grown-ups can get in on this coloring action.
Have a Dance Party
No parade is complete without good music. A pride parade that’s not a mobile dance party is just no pride at all. We like this Gay Pride Playlist from Spotify.
Become Drum Majors
These fringed glittery batons were a staple of our childhood. They definitely make everything a little more fabulous.
Get Nostalgic
Feeling lazy? You could just watch highlights of last year’s Pride parades. Or enjoy this YouTube video of the entire 2019 New York City Pride Parade (three hours and 23 minutes!) while dreaming of next year.
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