Your Guide to LGBTQ+ Resources and Support

By ASTROGLIDE Team

Your Guide to Celebrating Pride All Year Round

 Pride is defined as recognition of LGBTQ+ identity, affirmation of equal rights, and celebration of visibility, dignity, and diversity in the community. During Pride, the members and those supporting the community come together to remember the history and struggles for equal rights and recognition. While most Pride events may happen in June, Pride is not just a month. Rather, it’s a mindset that should last all year. Since its inception in 1991, ASTROGLIDE has demonstrated strong allyship with the LGBTQ+ community. One of the ways we have provided ongoing support to the community is by creating and publishing LGBTQ+-focused content and resources throughout the year. In honor of Pride, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all the educational LGBTQ+-focused content we’ve developed for the community over time. This blog provides resources to support LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and communities, ranging from allyship and education, identity, relationships and dating, sexual wellness, and health tips to events and celebrations.

Allyship & Education

Whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, coming out, or are looking for ways to become a better ally, education is a powerful tool for breaking stereotypes and creating lasting change. Here are a few blogs to read to learn how you can better be an ally and accomplice to your friends and peers:

• Learning to be an LGBTQ+Ally & Accomplice: The difference between being an ally and an accomplice and how to take action to be more than a cheerleader 
• What is Pride Month? Learn Gay Pride History: The story of gay Pride history and the courageous people who fought back against discrimination
• Pride Flags & Understanding Their Evolution: Different types of flags that symbolize the diversity within the LBGTQ+ community
• Tips on What Not to Ask a Trans Person: Ten things that you should never ask a transgender person

Identity

Now that we’ve provided the basics to help educate yourself on becoming a better ally and accomplice to the community, it’s time to talk about understanding how gender identity and sexual orientation play a part in self-discovery and acceptance. Click through our resources for guidance and support on exploring gender identity and sexual orientation:

• Guide to Different Types of Sexual Orientation: Defining the various types of sexual orientations and gender identities
• Types of Gender Identity & Expression: A comprehensive guide to all things gender – ranging from gender expression, gender identity, and nonbinary identities to gender fluidity or sexual orientation
• 3 Bisexuality Myths and Misconceptions: Breaking stereotypes surrounding bisexuality by dispelling the most common myths
• Asexual, Graysexual, Demisexual Meanings: What’s the Difference? The diversity of human sexuality
• What is Fluid Sexuality? Discover what sexual fluidity means to you individually

Relationships/Dating

While opportunities for gay dating might not seem immediately obvious, the possibilities for meeting and dating the partner of your dreams are endless! If you’re single and ready to mingle or need help navigating current or new relationships in the LGBTQ+ world, check these blogs out:

• Your Guide to LGBTQ Dating Apps: The best queer dating apps on the market for singles, rated by gender and orientation options as well as overall friendliness to the queer community
• How to Meet Gay Men – 8 Unique Ways: Totally unique ways to meet gay men broken down by type to help you find exactly what you’re looking for
• Gay Dating vs Straight Dating: 8 Similarities: Busting myths and sharing the commonalities of queer relationships and straight couplings
• Online Dating Tips for Dating Apps: Dating experts share their advice on using Bumble, Grindr & Her
• Merry and Gay: Bringing Your Partner Home for the Holidays:Relationships to help you develop a strategy for bringing your significant other home with you

Sexual Health & Sex Tips

Sexual wellness is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet for LGBTQ+ individuals, accessing resources and support for sexual health and exploration can be challenging. Embracing sexual wellness within the LQBTQ+ community involves providing access to affirming healthcare, community support, education, and resources that honor diverse sexual experiences. Here are a few of our blogs to help you navigate your sexual experiences safely and confidently:

• 9 Lesbian Sex Tips for Your First Experience: Tips to make your first-time lesbian experience amazing
• Tips to Reach Orgasm for the LGBTQ+ Community: Important differences in orgasms between LGBTQ+ individuals and those engaging in heterosexual practices
• Why We Need to Make Sex Ed Queer: Why sex Positive education for LGBTQ+ individuals is one of the most crucial issues facing teachers, schools, and society today
• A Guide to Managing Sexual Health for LGBTQ+ Folks: Key things you need to know about when it comes to being LGBTQ+ and managing your sexual health
• 8 Topics Queer Folks Should Discuss with Their Doctor to Maximize Their Sexual Health: Sexual health topics you should consider discussing with your doctor to get the most out of your next doctor’s visit and start living your best sexual life

Events & Celebrations

Events, including all the celebrations during Pride Month, are a great way to bring together LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and communities to celebrate diversity, equality, and love. It’s important to note that while Pride month is the most commonly known celebration for the community, there are many other events, festivals, and gatherings that you can take part in all year round. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or attending for the first time, check out our blogs on what to expect and how to prepare to make the most out of these celebrations:

• Pride Festival Outfits & 10 Things to Bring: 10 things you absolutely cannot be without when you go to a gay Pride parade
• What To Expect Attending a Gay Pride Parade:10 of our favorite aspects to attending (or sponsoring) a gay Pride parade
• Tips for Attending A Lesbian or Gay Wedding: Tips and etiquette to make sure you’re ready for your loved One’s big day

In this blog, we listed our LGBTQ+ resources to keep in your back pocket year-round, ranging from allyship and education to sexual health and sex tips. We’re always learning and expanding our efforts, so please let us know where else we can be helpful to you. Check us out on Instagram to stay updated on our fan-favorite Pride-edition X Silicone Gel Lube. For every bottle sold, we will donate a dollar to LGBTQ+ community centers in LA and NYC while supplies last. Thanks for celebrating Pride with us all year long!