Your 2015 Guide to Pride Safety
PRIDE IS ALL ABOUT GOING out and having a gay ol’ time with your fellow brothers and sisters in rainbow-laced arms. Unfortunately, not everyone has noble intentions or your best interest in mind, which is why it’s essential that you remember to be safe while enjoying yourself and celebrating another year of LGBT pride. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of insurance claims and regrets.
O’Brian Gunn
Safety, Like Charity, Begins at Home
Right now you might be the perfect personification of jubilation and exaltation, but refrain from posting specific details of your upcoming Pride-related travel plans on social media. While you may know and trust everyone on your friends list, there’s no telling who can access your status updates, tweets, tumbles, flapjack chats, and whatever else is out there. You don’t want to return home to discover you’ve been the victim of a break-in because you practically left a neon sign on the roof informing burglars of when you plan on being away from home.
Fun in the Burning Hot Sun
Don’t forget to pack quality sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a wide-brimmed hat worthy of the Kentucky Derby. Denver is the mile-high land of plentiful sunshine, but all that sunshine can quickly damage your skin if you aren’t careful. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume during the day since both can leach water from your system. Kick back in the shade, wear light-colored clothes to reflect UV rays, and opt for breathable cotton fabrics rather than synthetics.
“Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby”
During Pride, the LGBT population shifts from a minority to a majority, making it easier than ever to find people to have Sunday morning brunch with. When you head out to the bars and clubs, make sure you have the three Cs: cash, ChapStick, and condoms (even if you’re currently on PrEP). Even if you don’t plan on hooking up, you never know how loose the Grey Goose might make you feel, and one of your friends might be in need of a little protection.
No matter how embarrassed you might feel, tell someone you know and trust where you’re going when the flames of passion are about to erupt from your loins and the loins of that guy or girl who drops the bass on your heart. Not to be a pessimist, but it’s also a good idea to leave your valuables and debit or credit card behind if you’re heading over to a beautiful stranger’s home or hotel room. Finally, trust your instincts and go with your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, extricate yourself from the situation. Immediately.
Money Matters
While you’re packing, only bring as much money as you’ll need and maybe a little more for emergencies. Before you leave your hotel room or home for the day, make sure you only carry what you’ll absolutely need and consider locking your valuables up in a safe or hiding them. It’s best that you only use ATMs near banks and airports to lessen your chances of using a fake ATM. Be sure to look over your bank and credit card statements for bogus charges once you return home.
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Don’t let your celebration dissolve into a nightmare this Pride season. A few preventative measures can protect your home, your health, and your finances. Not only can you take pride in your sexuality, you can also take pride in your street smarts and forward thinking.
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