JB’s Big Gay Blog: A Pride Month Edition

It’s June. The logos are rainbow. The iced coffee’s got glitter in it. And here I am… writing a Pride Month blog.

The irony is not lost on me. I know what this looks like. But if you think I’m gonna skip the chance to talk about tourism strategy wrapped in fabulousness? You must be new here.

⚠️ Let’s Start With the Obvious

No, I’m not queer. No, I don’t speak for the community. Yes, I’m writing a Pride Month piece anyway. And yes, this is exactly the kind of performative move I’m about to roast.

But here’s the thing, I actually care. Not in a “let me center myself” kind of way, but in a “our industry needs to stop doing the bare minimum” kind of way.

I’ve watched tourism profit off Pride while ignoring the people who built it. And if I’m going to step into this conversation, I’m bringing snacks, receipts, and a mirror.

🌈 Destinations That Actually Get It

Let’s give credit where it’s due. Some places aren’t just showing up for the party—they’re showing up for the people.

• Sacramento Quietly doing the real work—partnering with LGBTQ+ creators, listening to the community, and backing it with budget. No confetti cannons needed.

• Philadelphia That inclusive rainbow flag with the Black and Brown stripes? Philly did that. It was controversial, brave, and exactly what leadership looks like.

• Palm Springs Yes, it’s iconic. But they also walk the talk—supporting queer-owned businesses and treating LGBTQ+ travelers as essential, not seasonal.

• Fort Lauderdale They built their LGBTQ+ strategy into the foundation of their tourism marketing—years ago. This is what long game allyship looks like.

• Salt Lake City Low-key, high-impact. Instead of shouting, they’re building trust with thoughtful safety measures and inclusive messaging. Don’t sleep on Utah.

🫖 The Tea (Because You Knew It Was Coming)

Let’s talk about what not to do. Just real quick:

• If your Pride campaign is a stock photo of “diverse millennials high-fiving at a brewery,” try again.

• If your rainbow logo disappears faster than your DEI committee after budget season, we see you.

• If your marketing team had to Google “what is nonbinary,” maybe don’t lead with “we celebrate everyone!”

And please—stop relying on drag shows to prove you're inclusive. Drag is art, not a diversity shortcut.

You don’t have to be edgy. You have to be honest.

🧠 The Business of Belonging

This isn’t about optics—it’s about outcomes.

People don’t return to destinations where they feel like a photo op. They come back to the places where they feel safe. Known. Welcome without conditions.

And LGBTQ+ travelers? They’ve got the data, the group chats, and the receipts. They know who’s showing up and who’s just putting on a show.

Want brand loyalty from the queer community? Try consistency, not just charisma.

💖 Final Thought: Glitter Is Temporary. Impact Is Not.

Let’s not forget—Pride didn’t start as a campaign. It started as a protest. It was about safety, visibility, and the radical act of joy in the face of rejection.

So yeah, I’m writing a Pride blog as a straight woman. But at least I’m not pretending it’s activism. This is strategy. This is honesty. This is me asking the industry to do better—with heart, humor, and hopefully some humility.

Book the float. Hang the banner. Host the event.

But when July 1 hits, and the confetti’s gone— Will your destination still feel like a safe place to land?

If not, don’t call it Pride. Call it what it is: decoration.

🖤 —JB

Straight, strategic, and very much aware of the irony. Happy Pride, babes.