How to Stay Safe and Healthy During Pride Month: A Guide for the LGBTQIA+ Community and Its Allies

Pride Month is a special time to celebrate who you are, connect with others, and have fun. Whether you’re going to parades, enjoying nights out in your community, or just being yourself, it’s important to take care of your body and mind. Below are some easy ways to stay healthy and safe during Pride Month.

But first: here’s where to go for Pride Events!

June Pride Events

PHNTX will attend these Pride events in the DFW area. Come stop by our booths and say hi!

• Pride Inside the Library: Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dallas Pride Music Festival: Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. + FREE HIV/STI testing.
• Pride in Bloom: Saturday, June 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Sweet Taste of Pride: Saturday, June 28, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. + FREE HIV/STI testing.

5 Ways to Stay Safe and Healthy During Pride Month

1. Be Safe When It Comes to Sex

Pride Month is a time to meet new people and build connections. If you’re having sex, it’s important to protect your health.

• Use protection. Things like condoms and dental dams help stop the spread of infections. You can get FREE condoms and dental dams delivered directly and discreetly to your home at FreeNicePackage.com.
• Get tested often. It’s smart to get checked for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) regularly. Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX) offers low-cost testing and care at all four of its clinics.
• Think about taking PrEP. PrEP is a medicine that helps prevent HIV. Ask your provider if it’s right for you.

2. Drink Water and Eat Well

Pride events can be exciting, but they can also be hot and tiring—especially in Texas!

• Drink water throughout the day. If you drink alcohol, drink extra water.
• Eat meals that give you energy. Try to eat a mix of fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy snacks.
• Take vitamins if needed. Ask a doctor before trying new supplements.

3. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Pride can bring lots of emotions. You might feel happy to be with people who affirm you, sad about the relationships you lost, or even nervous about upcoming events. That’s okay.

• Stay connected. Spend time with people who support you and make you feel good.
• Practice self-care. Do things that help you relax—like writing, meditating, or listening to music.
• Ask for help if you need it. PHNTX has counselors who understand what LGBTQIA+ people go through. It’s okay to talk to someone.

4. Protect Your Skin

Lots of Pride events happen outdoors under the blazing sun.

• Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply it every two hours.
• Wear hats and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.
• Skip tanning beds. They can hurt your skin and even cause skin cancer.

5. Be Safe in Big Crowds

Parades and festivals can get crowded. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Plan ahead. Know where you’re going and set a meeting spot for your group, in case anyone gets lost or separated.
• Stay with a buddy. Go with a friend and stick together.
• Watch your stuff. Keep your phone, money, and other things safe and close to you.

We’re Here for You!

At Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX), we care about your health. We offer primary care visits, STI testing, mental health care, and more. You can count on us—during Pride Month and all year long.

Taking care of yourself is a way to show pride, too. Celebrate who you are, have fun, and stay safe. You matter!

You can request an appointment by calling 214-521-5191 or filling out this online form. If you are a current patient with PHNTX, you can schedule your next appointment through the patient portal.