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If you recently came out or are just new to attending LGBTQ+ Pride events, you may be wondering about the basics: What should I bring to my first Pride? How should I dress? What other essentials do I need to make it through the day? Fret not, because we've compiled a roundup of suggestions on all of the above.
Glitter and rainbow-covered attire are obvious choices, but they're far from the only options you have to show off your queer joy. For some, Pride is all about being as decked out as possible in bright, multi-colored garb. For those of us who have more timid tastes, there are less showy options that still let us express our queerness. Read on for our hand-picked recommendations for clothing, accessories, and essentials for anyone attending their first Pride, from backpacks to shoes to water bottles and beyond.
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Functional Essentials That Show Off Your Pride
Before going to any parades or large gatherings, you should review our Pride safety basics and take note of the items you’ll need to keep your body at homeostasis during the day. Water and a good bag are absolutely essential. But just because an item is functional doesn’t mean it can’t shout your support of LGBTQ+ rights from the metaphorical rooftops.
Hydration is crucial to having a good time during Pride. REI has the perfect graphic bottle for the occasion, decorated with subtle rainbow cartoons by queer artist and storyteller Christina Moreland. The sustainably-made bottle holds 32 fluid ounces of water, making it perfect to share with thirsty family members and friends.
Everyone needs a solid bag to store their lip balm, water, and any party favors for the festivities ahead. If you prefer the look of a cross-body bag, Target carries this one in black with a cute rainbow stripe detail.
If you’re more of a fanny pack kind of queer, The Phluid Project makes a rainbow tie-dye bag fit for any Pride function.
Finally, comfortable shoes are essential for dancing, stomping, and generally having a gay old time (cringe pun intended). These Adidas Stan Smith shoes forgo the more obvious rainbow detailing usually associated with Pride wear for a subtle print. If you want to check out the full array of Pride footwear, read our full guide here.
The Best Pride Makeup and Facial Products
A full-face look is all you need to take a Pride fit from fine to out of this world. Doing makeup can also be a fun pregame activity for you and your crew of besties ahead of parades. Using regular craft glitter anywhere near your face is a sure-fire way to injure yourself before setting foot outside, so stick to these sparkly options instead.
We recommend facial glitter like Danessa Myricks Beauty Chrome Flakes Multichrome Gel for Eyes & Face. This iridescent pigment shimmers all colors of the rainbow at different angles, making it an eye-catching addition to any Pride makeup collection.
If you’re looking for a subtler approach to glitter, Milk Makeup’s Glitter Stick is a buildable option that allows you to layer on intensity rather than starting with it. The shimmer gives the skin a natural, dewy finish upon first swipe, making it the perfect choice for a more introverted Pride attendee.
Makeup is not every Pride attendee’s thing. Even so, there are other cosmetic options that still allow you to support LGBTQ+ rights while investing in skincare. Kiehl's will donate the proceeds from its limited-edition Pride ultra facial moisturizing cream to The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ non-profit that provides crisis support to queer youth.
Get Your Flag Ready to Fly
Flags are the easiest way to signal to the world that you’re here, you’re queer, and you want everyone and their mama to know it. But carrying a huge rainbow flag isn’t the only way to signal your presence.
Of course, a simple LGBTQ+ Pride flag may be exactly what you want to wave for your first-ever parade. Walmart carries this 3x5 foot version of the flag that includes the Progress Pride flag, created in 2018 by designer Daniel Quaser. It features a smaller pink, blue, white, black, and brown triangle in it to emphasize both trans rights and rights for queer people of color.
As a short trans masc, I find a large Pride flag can feel more like a tripping hazard than a fun accessory. For those of us who don’t want to carry such a large piece of cloth around, Target carries a 100-pack of small flags to wave and pass out to friends and strangers alike.
Overt rainbow Pride flags might not be your thing, which is totally valid. Another way to wave your queer pride is to buy a tapestry by a queer artist, like this one by Lily Fulop. This piece proclaims “We Are Resilient” under a loafer surrounded by flowers. Though it does incorporate a rainbow, it is incorporated seamlessly and subtly into the scenery.
Regardless of how you choose to express yourself this Pride, whether it be with head-to-toe rainbow or your everyday clothing, know that you are valid and part of a grander community. Ultimately, Pride is about the resilience and beauty of LGBTQ+ people, not rainbow merch — and however you choose to celebrate, we're happy you're here.
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