Whether you’re attending PRIDE in the CLE or one of the 125 LGBTQ+ Pride events taking place throughout Ohio this year, it’s sure to be a time of joy and unity.
That is, as long as you’re prepared, says Jody Remington, Lieutenant at the MetroHealth Police Department.
A 27-year veteran of the Cleveland Police Department, Remington joined the MetroHealth Police Department in 2019, where she focuses on keeping a secure environment for the system’s nearly 9,000 employees and thousands of patients.
“MetroHealth is a place of healing, much like Pride events can be for the community,” says Remington. “But we live in a world where people are frustrated, and violent attacks are possible.”
Similar to taking care of your health, Remington says, attending an event that draws large groups starts with awareness.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—whether you’re talking about health or attending a festival,” says Remington. “I hate that we have to have these uncomfortable conversations, but they could truly save lives.”
Whether it’s your first Pride, your first in a while, or if you’re a yearly attendee, taking stock of your surroundings and going into the celebration with cautious optimism is key. Remington offers the following advice to those celebrating at Pride.
1. Know the national and local mood.
While Pride events have become a mainstay in communities across the nation, the cultural mood—both on the national and local level—can cause fluctuations in acceptance. Last year, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued alerts that foreign terror organizations may seek to target LGBTQ+ celebrations across the globe. The risk is not unfounded, as we remember the June 2016 attack at Pulse in Orlando. In Ohio alone, GLAAD’s Anti LGBTQ Hate & Extremism Incident Tracker noted 32 incidents during 2024, with acts of assault, vandalism, protests and threats common.
“Elevated rhetoric encourages people who may not support Pride to indulge their worst impulses,” says Remington. “You have to be aware of your surroundings.”
2. Make a plan.
Before attending any festival, Remington suggests researching the safety precautions in
place. Look for:
- Police or security presence
- Medical staffing
- Barricades to prevent the weaponization of automobiles
- Surveillance cameras
- Safe parking
Once you’re on-site at a Pride event, identify your exits early.
“Whenever you move to a new area, know where your quickest exit is,” says Remington. “If there’s an act of violence, first seek to run—before choosing to hide or fight.”
Making a plan includes knowing how alcohol—should you choose to drink—impacts your body.
“Don’t make a large-scale event the first time you experience alcohol,” says Remington. “Alcohol impacts each person in different ways. And—never mix alcohol and recreational drugs like marijuana because you’ll be unlikely to be able to defend yourself.”
3. Attend in a group.
Remington’s main safety tip is to choose your group of fellow revelers wisely.
“Attending any event in a group that will stay together and look out for each other is the most important safety precaution you can take,” Remington says.
Identify one member of the group who will stay sober the entire time and be responsible for driving your group home after the event. Your sober ally should also be trusted to make a call for the whole of the group if the surroundings start to feel unsafe.
That includes watching each person’s drink.
“It’s the responsibility of everyone in the group to watch each person’s drink to make sure nothing gets slipped in,” says Remington.
4. Choose an outfit wisely.
Prioritize practicality over style when it comes to what you wear to Pride.
“You cannot run, hide or fight very well in high heels or flip flops,” says Remington. “No celebration is worth risking harm.”
5. See something, say something—but sometimes say nothing.
Unfortunately, suspicious behavior will likely be present at any festival. And you may be a target of harassment from those choosing to attend Pride but not as a celebration.
“I know it may be difficult when you are a target of verbal harassment, but attending with a group of allies can help you let any harassing words roll off,” says Remington.
Don’t engage with people seeking to take the joy out of your Pride celebrations and keep walking to a safer space. No matter how small the harassment, report incidents to the first security or police officer you see—even calling 911 if necessary.
Harassment, unfortunately, can sometimes extend to friends and partners. No matter a person’s reasons for attending Pride, we all deserve to have a positive experience. Making a police report if someone is exhibiting violent or harassing behavior is key to keeping Pride safe for every person.
Celebrate Positively
Pride can be a time of immense joy, and it’s an important time of community and celebration. By attending with trusted friends, researching the event in advance, making an exit plan and reporting any suspicious behavior, you keep Pride safe for everyone— including you. 🔥
About The MetroHealth Pride Network
The MetroHealth Pride Network offers primary care for adults and children and gender-affirming care for adults. While people in the LGBTQ+ community have similar routine healthcare needs as cisgender or heterosexual people, providers in the MetroHealth Pride Network have specialized training and experience related to sexuality and gender.
Pride Network providers can be found in five MetroHealth locations—Brecksville, Brooklyn, Cleveland Heights, Parma and Rocky River as well as a clinic in the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. Learn more at www.metrohealth.org/pride.
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