Take Your Kid to Pride: Why It Matters More Than Ever in 2025
If you're wondering whether it's okay to take your child to a Pride event, the short answer is: absolutely. You are not a bad parent for showing up. You are not a bad parent for supporting identity exploration. You are not a bad parent for choosing joy, visibility, and community—especially in a time when those things are under attack.
In fact, you're doing something brave.
Pride 2025: Celebration and Resistance
This year, Pride is more than a party. It’s a statement.
With hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the United States and ongoing efforts to restrict gender-affirming care, inclusive education, and LGBTQ+ visibility, showing up at Pride is an act of resistance. It’s a way to say: “We’re still here. We still love. We still celebrate.”
Bringing your kid to Pride is one of the most powerful ways you can counter the fear and misinformation dominating headlines. It's a chance to raise kids who know how to show up for others—and for themselves.
Why Pride Matters for Kids
Pride is more than a parade. For children, especially those exploring their own identities or growing up in LGBTQ+ families, attending Pride can be:
A mirror: seeing people who reflect their own experience
A window: learning about the diversity of the human experience
A shield: gaining strength and resilience against messages of shame or exclusion
LGBTQ+ youth already face elevated risks of mental health challenges. What makes the biggest difference? Affirmation, community, and visibility. When you take your child to Pride, you’re showing them that they belong—and that there’s a whole world of people who celebrate them exactly as they are.
Common Concerns About Taking Kids to Pride
Is Pride appropriate for children?
Yes. Most cities offer family-friendly Pride programming, including parades, story hours, arts and crafts, and resource fairs. Organizers often highlight which events are designed for all ages. While some events are more adult-focused, there’s no shortage of spaces where children can feel safe, celebrated, and included.
What if someone criticizes me for bringing my child?
In a time when LGBTQ+ families are being unfairly targeted and scrutinized, criticism may come—but that doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Being a supportive, visible parent teaches your child to stand strong in their values. You are raising someone who knows how to show up for love and justice.
What if my child asks questions I don’t know how to answer?
You don’t have to have all the answers. What matters most is showing your child that you’re open, honest, and willing to learn with them. Pride can be the beginning of many meaningful conversations about identity, family, and history. And if you're looking for support, there are resources that can help—including our “How To Talk To Kids About Gender” course.
Tips for Attending Pride with Kids
Find family-friendly events: Many cities offer Pride parades, festivals, and programming specifically designed with children in mind.
Talk about what to expect: Let your child know what Pride is, why it matters, and what they might see and hear.
Pack essentials: Sunscreen, snacks, water, hearing protection, and any comfort items will go a long way.
Dress to celebrate: Encourage your child to express themselves through clothing, signs, or flags that feel fun and affirming.
Plan your day: Know where bathrooms are, when you’ll take breaks, and what your meetup plan is if you get separated.
Debrief afterward: Give your child space to share what they saw, felt, and learned—and let them ask questions.
Showing Up Sends a Message
When you take your child to Pride, you’re sending a clear, loving message: “You are safe to be exactly who you are.” In 2025, when LGBTQ+ communities face heightened political threats, every act of visibility, celebration, and solidarity matters.
You’re not just attending a parade. You’re building resilience. You’re nurturing joy. You’re creating memories your child will carry for the rest of their life.
Want support in talking to your kids about gender and identity?
Check out my course How To Talk To Kids About Gender—a resource for parents, caregivers, and educators who want to raise open-hearted, informed kids.
You’re not alone in this work. And you’re doing a great job.
You are welcome here.
