The opposite of shame is pride and pride goes big, bold and beautiful in June when Pride Month kicks off, bringing together members of the LGBTQ community and allies to not only celebrate love for all people but to continue the push for equality and acceptance.
Yet, despite gains over the years, the community remains on guard. Just this year, more than 25 states proposed laws that impact the rights of transgender people.
At a time when gender fluidity is garnering more discussion in mainstream media than ever before, gains the LGBTQ community has achieved are still under risk.
Sow seeds of greater acceptance in your kids – who already are the most accepting generation of LGBTQ issues to date – by supporting businesses and organizations that support the LGBTQ community, by attending Pride events and by flying that rainbow flag high.
Below, you’ll find events, crafts, books and more to celebrate Pride all month long.
Events
North Shore Pride Fest
June 5, 2021
- Address: 130 Highwood Ave., Highwood
- Cost: Free
This family friendly and all-ages day-long event kicks off Pride Month, with a Pride Family Picnic and Taste the Rainbow Pub Crawl to support the LGBTQ community. The picnic in the Park will be held from noon-3 p.m. at Everts Park, followed by a Taste the Rainbow Pub Crawl throughout Downtown Highwood restaurants and bars from 5 p.m.–bar close.
Family Story Time: Celebrate Pride Month with a Rainbow Story Time
June 5, 2021
- Hosted by: Thomas Hughes Children’s Library
- Cost: Free
Join the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library staff for a 25 minute Rainbow Story Time featuring books, finger plays, movement activities, rhymes and music to celebrate Pride Month for ages 0-5.
Find more Pride Month events listed in our calendar.
Crafts
DIY Pride Flags
 Make your own Pride flags at home with Queer Kid Stuff and Drag Queen Story Hour. Your kids can also learn about different pride flags as well. Save your flags for a future Pride parade near you.
Get the tutorial at Queer Kid Stuff.
Rainbow Bracelet Craft
 Kids will love to assemble these easy rainbow bracelets. They can wear it all month long to celebrate Pride.
Get the tutorial at A Crafty Life.
3D Heart Mobile
 All you need is construction paper and some string to recreate this rainbow heart mobile. Maybe you can even hang a few by your window for neighbors to see! The kids can even make small signs like “Love is Love” and “Happy Pride Month” to encourage positive messages.
Get the tutorial at Twitchetts.Â
Books
My Two Moms and Me by Michael Joosten
Some families have two moms and two dads. This board book celebrates loving families by showing two busy moms doing everyday activities like eating breakfast, going on a playdate and reading a book before bedtime.
Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
When Julián sees women dressed up in mermaid costumes, he wants to recreate the costume at home with a curtain and potted fern. But what will his Abuela think of him? This book encourages kids to love themselves.Â
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders
 Your whole family can learn more about LGBTQ history starting with this picture book. Pride takes you back to 1978 where you see how the Gay Pride Flag began with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker, and how the flag impacts the world today.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
