Pride Month means something different to each of us, especially in 2025. With rampant anti-trans legislation, book bans, and rising hostility in so many corners of the country, finding space for joy can feel complicated. For some, this June is a time of protest. For others, it’s a time to grieve, rest, or connect quietly with your chosen family.
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So we asked: how are you celebrating Pride in 2025? How do you feel about showing up, being seen, or just existing right now?
Over 1,500 of you responded to our Pride Survey, and your answers reflect the complexity, resilience, and heart of this community. Below, we’ll walk through what you shared, one question at a time.
How will you be celebrating Pride?
Even in a year of uncertainty, celebration is still happening in so many different forms. From parades to art-making, here’s how you’re showing up:
- Engaging with queer and trans media topped the list, with over half of respondents tuning into the books, movies, and creators who help us feel seen.
- Many of you are shopping at queer/trans-owned businesses, supporting each other with your dollars.
- Public events are still a big part of Pride, but more of you are turning to private gatherings and art-making as ways to connect and express yourselves.
Have Your Pride Plans Changed in 2025?
When we asked if your Pride plans had changed due to the ongoing attacks on trans and queer communities, the majority of you said yes. Fear, grief, burnout, and safety all played a role. But so did defiance. For many, this year’s Pride isn’t canceled, it’s just different.
Do You Have Fears About Attending a Public Event?
This one hit hard. A staggering two-thirds of you, over 1,000 people, shared that you’re afraid to attend public Pride events this year. Whether it’s fear of violence, doxxing, or simply being targeted for existing, your fears are real, and they’re valid. Despite these fears, so many of you are choosing to show up anyway. That courage isn’t small – it’s revolutionary.
What Does Pride Mean to You?
We asked an open-ended question: “What does Pride mean to you in 2025?” While answers ranged joyful, cautious, defiant, or still figuring it out, a few common threads stood out:
Expression & Authenticity
For many of you, Pride is about showing up as your full self. No apologies, no masks, just truth.
“Living unapologetically as myself.”
“Being yourself down to your core.”
This kind of honesty takes courage, especially in a world that often asks us to shrink.
Resistance & Activism
Pride began as a protest, and that spirit is still alive today. You told us that Pride means pushing back, holding the line, and honoring the legacy of those who fought before us.
“Refusing to submit, standing my ground and living my life the way I intend to.”
“Our queer ancestors fought for our rights to have pride, and we have to continue the fight against oppression.”
Even when joy feels far away, being here is still a form of resistance.
Celebration & Community
Despite everything, many of you are still finding space for connection and the joy of being with others who get it:
“Celebrating individualism and the freedom to be who we are and not following the social construct.”
“Being me and celebrating others being themselves.”
In community, even small wins feel like something worth dancing about.
Safety & Awareness
And then there’s the reality that for a lot of us, Pride comes with calculation and caution. Pride is still important, but it doesn’t always feel safe.
“I am happy to wear my pride shirts. I am just careful while doing it.”
“Being my own authentic self but also staying safe.”
There’s strength in visibility, and there’s also strength in knowing when to protect your peace.
Stronger Together, Trans Forever
We’re so grateful to everyone who took the time to share your experiences. Pride doesn’t have to look like a parade or a party. Sometimes it looks like rest. Sometimes it looks like resistance. Sometimes it looks like reading queer fanfiction in your bed while a cat sits on your chest.
No matter what Pride looks like for you this year, you’re not alone. You’re part of something bigger, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. However you’re showing up, it counts. Let’s keep showing up for each other (in whatever way we can). Happy Pride!
