The first Gay Pride Parade a person attends can be a mixed bag of emotions. You find yourself being excited and sometimes even a little scared as you aren't really sure what to expect. Relax! Preparing for your first pride parade isn't that unlike getting ready for any other parade except there are a few little twists to make everything run a little smoother. By having a good advance plan and a ton of knowledge you can make your first Pride parade something you remember forever for all the right reasons.
As basic as it seems the first step is to determine if you will be going to a local Pride or one out of town. Not every city hosts a Pride parade, so those unfortunate enough to be in such locales have to do a little traveling. Some are going to be fairly small and others such as in major cities are huge closing down entire areas of the city. You need to decide which is right for you, many people enjoy something a bit low key and less crowded their first time out just to get a feel for what actually goes on.
Once that is determined you have to decide if you are going alone or with others. This effects many other decisions you will make concerning your planning. It is usually best to go with a small group. This not only gives you someone to spend time with, but it can also be very comforting to know that in the midst of something wholly new to you there is someone at your side. This is especially true if you are out of town or your first Pride is taking place just after you have recently come out. Plus as they always say there is safety in numbers, not that Pride parades are known for many problems. Still it isn't that uncommon to find protesters at Pride events, most are very docile and remain at the outskirts of the parade, on occasion however some do get a bit out of hand.
Have a solid transportation plan. You not only want to be sure you have good directions if you are going by car, but even if by train or some other mode. The odds are you will have to park or will arrive a fair distance away from your target destination and need to approach by foot. In a city that is new to you, this can be tricky, just ask tourists that wander aimlessly through new York City every day who assumed that navigating would pose no problem. If you drive be sure you have an idea in advance of at least three places to park so you don't waste time circling around looking for a spot. If you arrive by another method determine if you can reach the parade route by foot or need a cab/public transportation. This can easily be done using mapquest or some other tool.
In conjunction with those transportation plans, have a well planned out exit. While drinking alcohol isn't a focal point of Pride parades, most cities do have an area in which it is allowed. If you know you are likely to prttake in such beverages, plan accordingly. Know when to say when, or make plans to have a designated driver or stay overnight. If you plan to stay overnight book a room as far in advance as you can, hotels fill up fast and early reservations can also save you some money.
Make sure you pack a bag that is comfortable to carry and secure. If you need anything like medication, be sure you take enough to last the day and the next just in case plans change on the fly. It is usually a good idea to bring along sunscreen as well. You have to remember that it is the summer and you will be standing under the bright sun all day. Bring a camera, you are going to have many things and people you want pictures of to remember the day. a light rain jacket is also always advisable because no matter what the weather man says, you just never know. Also be aware that for the most part, pot-a-potties are going to be the only place to relieve yourself and the supplies in the go fast. Taking a few seat covers and some toilet tissue is never a bad idea, as these facilities will be used thousands of times. Leave enough room to stash your purchases as well as vendors line the route with a variety of things you're likely to buy, as well as all the freebies that are handed out over the course of the day.
Bring plenty of cash! While there is no admission, donations are often solicited and most vendors do not accept credit/debit cards. Even when you don't intend to, spending can get a little out of control your first time at Pride, so add a little extra to whatever you plan to take. A further suggestion is to carry a little money in a few different pockets, or stashed elsewhere on your person. While crime isn't usually a problem, just be safe and take no chances.
Finally know the schedule of events well in advance, and then be aware the schedule usually winds up running late. Pay a visit to the site for whatever Pride parade you will visit (Each is easy to find on google by typing "Gay Pride Parade" followed by the city name) and print the schedule of events out. Plan to be there a little early to leave room for error and plan to leave late. It is always a good idea to arrive early as in addition to the parade, there are usually mini-concerts and tons of other things going on over the ourse of the day. Nothing is worse than going in blind and missing something you would have really enjoyed.
Your first Pride parade is something you will always remember. Follow these tips to do your best to avoid complications and headaches. Most of all though once you arrive, have fun, meet new people, take advantage of the many resources available, and be a part of the day, not just a spectator!