This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Chatham chapter.

Want to show your pride or support a friend? There are plenty of ideas out there and they range from volunteer work with GLAAD to something as simple as posting a NOH8 photo on your Facebook wall. Here are a few simple and meaningful ways you can support the LGBTQIA community this month.

1. Wear it. Whether you’re buying a bracelet to support the Human Rights Campaign or made one at Chatham University’s volleyball match, wearing any gay pride accessory is one of the best ways to say something without saying anything at all. Other great stores include American Apparel, whose Legalize Gay shirts were promoted by GLAAD, CafePress, and even the Ellen Shop, which sells anti-bullying t-shirts. The best part? Part of the profit goes to the Trevor Foundation! Other ideas? Purses, sunglasses, lanyards, socks, flip-flops, et cetera. Don’t forget – Spirit Day is on October 17th, and all you have to do is dress in purple. On National Coming Out Day on October 11th, there is also a lunch at Anderson with free pride ribbons.

2. Watch it. Want to throw your own LGBTQIA month event? Why not gather a group of friends at your dorm or in the Carriage House and have a Modern Family or GLEE marathon…or even a movie night? To see some great pride month movie selections, you can check out our upcoming Her Campus Chatham entertainment article or GLAAD’s “Top 14 Classic Romantic (LGBT) Movies” list.

3. Make it. When it comes to LGBT pride, the possibilities of creating a themed dinner are endless. Rainbow cake. Cookies. Sandwiches. Fruit kabobs. Parfaits. A simple Google Image search for “rainbow food” will inspire you with plenty of new ideas for some colorful snacks to eat simply to celebrate (or to have at your movie night!). If cooking and baking isn’t your thing, there are some snacks that already come in rainbow colors, including gummy worms, Froot Loops, Skittles, and more. You can also theme your dinner or snack table simply by decorating with different colored tablecloths, napkins, cups and utensils.

4. Tweet it. The Internet is now one of the most powerful modes of communication, and with a simple post, you can reach all of your family, friends and associates at once. Simply changing your photo to the marriage equality sign, a rainbow flag icon, or even a famous LGBT celebrity is a quick way to show your support for the cause. You can also change your status or add a hashtag or post a photo of yourself with NOH8 painted on your hand. It’s only a few simple clicks. So why not?

5. Learn it. Sometimes the most helpful thing is simply to listen and understand. If a friend or family member has come out – especially if it is specifically to you – it is because they trust you and consider you an important person in their life. You don’t have to give an emotional film-worthy speech in response to help uplift them. One Chatham student has said, “The most supportive thing I ever heard was simply ‘That’s cool,’ because it meant my friends not only were supportive of me, but that they wouldn’t have cared any more or less about me no matter how I identified myself.” In addition, Chatham has a number of inspirational guest speakers and artists coming to our campus in honor of LGBTQIA month, including State Representative Brian Sims, who will be giving a lecture at the Eddy Theater on October 9th.

For more information on LGBTQIA month activities from Chatham, you can check out the calendar on myChatham or contact the Office of Student Affairs at osa@chatham.edu. If you would like to donate or volunteer to a group supporting members of the LGBT community and their families, you can visit the following websites:

GLAAD

The Trevor Project

Human Rights Campaign

The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh

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