Into a Land of Enchantment

Bring cash. Most of the vendors can’t do credit cards.

WATER BOTTLE. Luckily there were free water stations at my pride but I don’t know if that’s universal.

Bring a bag for all the random stuff people give you.

If you have sensory sensitivities or anything, bring headphones and download something soothing in advance. There probably won’t be a quiet place, but find someplace that’s less loud and take a moment to rest if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

There will be lots of free hugs. Most people will be very nice if you don’t want hugs. Instead of a “hugged by x group” sticker, I got a “boundaries respected by x group” sticker.

It’s a little shocking if you’re pretty sheltered. There will be people wearing the bare minimum. There will be people wearing less. You get used to it pretty quickly. (Everyone I saw had at least underwear on, but there were people completely topless, including people with breasts)

They might have very loud music playing at the entrance to drown out protesters. It’s actually a little quieter inside.

Your cell phone may not work very well, even if you should have service. There are a lot of people. I was able to make and receive calls, but I couldn’t access the internet or anything.

here’s to bisexual people

here’s to pansexual people

here’s to trans people

here’s to non binary people

here’s to asexual people

here’s to lgbt+ people that are in the closet

here’s to lgbt+ people that are afraid to come out to their homophobic family and friends

here’s to lgbt+ people that are out of the closet

here’s to lgbt+ people that are still not sure what is their sexuality or what is their gender

there’s nothing wrong about you! you are all loved! you are all important! you are all beautiful! you all matter!