With pride month just around the corner, now’s the time to start showing even more support for your friends in the big LGBTQ+. If you don’t have any friends within this community, let alone friendly acquaintances, consider branching out! Now I’m sure you’ve heard it all before, “love is love,” and “be who you are,”—but have you truly embraced and accepted these ideals?
Growing up in the theatre community, I met people of different gender identities and sexual orientations from a young age. Contradictory to what many homophobic people believe, this early introduction to people of different backgrounds helped develop my understanding of the scope of the world, and the people living in it. At no point was I indoctrinated, brainwashed, or manipulated into changing myself. Homophobia in 2026 tends to thrive in the digital world, in comment sections and bite-sized hate posts. It appalls me to see people continue to spread their heinous beliefs specifically to persecute some of the most joyful, funny people I’ve ever met.
Matter of fact, if you go out of your way to avoid people in pride, you’re missing out on an opportunity to get to know somebody super awesome. They’ll introduce you to incredible works of art and bring a new perspective and sense of humor to your world. But it shouldn’t take a bribe or a benefit to you to convince you to befriend somebody in this vast and permanent community. Befriend somebody because you’d like a new friendship in general. If they happen to be gay, lesbian, bi, or trans: great! Nothing changes about the friendship. You just became an ally!
Homophobia makes very little sense in today’s world. I mean think about it: if you’re reading this, chances are you live in the Bay Area. Chances are you’ll often come across somebody from within this community. So instead of ostracizing, bullying, or ignoring these amazing people, treat them with basic human empathy. If you still can’t understand why somebody might have a different gender identity or sexual orientation, then you still have to treat people with kindness! Maybe you’ll learn a thing or two about why the pride community is so important to so many people. The bottom line is: be an ally! Regardless of your beliefs, it feels good to treat others with kindness. If you’ve often heard homophobic remarks in your day-to-day life, call it out next time it happens. Being an ally just improves the world overall, making it a happier, more inclusive, and safer place.