Pride Month activities for students create opportunities to foster empathy, celebrate diversity, and build a more inclusive classroom. These activities go beyond decoration or celebration—they invite students to reflect, express themselves, and understand others.
Through creativity and conversation, you can guide students to explore identity and kindness in age-appropriate ways. Pride Month becomes a meaningful time for connection, growth, and cultivating a supportive classroom community.
What is Pride Month?
Pride Month is a time to honor the history, contributions, and voices of the LGBTQ+ community. Celebrated each June, it commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising—a turning point in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights. Today, Pride Month is about visibility, inclusion, and advocating for equality.
In the classroom, it provides a meaningful chance to help students learn about identity, respect, and empathy. By creating space for these conversations, educators help build a more accepting and informed school environment.
12 Pride Month Activities for Students
Here are some hands-on Pride Month activities to celebrate diversity, spark creativity, and build a welcoming classroom community:
1. Rainbow Paper Chain of Kindness
This is one of the creative Pride Month activities designed for students to practice kindness by writing affirmations or uplifting messages on colored strips inspired by the Pride flag.
As each link is added, the paper chain becomes a vibrant symbol of unity and empathy, nurturing emotional intelligence, compassion, and a strong sense of classroom community.
Materials Needed:
- Colored construction paper in rainbow shades
- Scissors
- Markers or pens
- Stapler or glue sticks
How to Do:
- Begin by cutting the colored paper into strips, about 1.5 inches wide and 6 inches long.
- Have each student write a kind message, an inclusive statement, or a quote supporting LGBTQ+ rights on a strip.
- Loop each strip into a circle and staple or glue it to the next one, creating a paper chain.
- Display the chain around the classroom, emphasizing how each student’s contribution helps build a stronger, more united community.
2. LGBTQ+ History Timeline
Students work individually or in groups to research and create a visual timeline of key moments in LGBTQ+ history—from the Stonewall Riots to the legalization of same-sex marriage.
This activity introduces students to courageous figures and pivotal events that have shaped the path toward equality. By contextualizing Pride Month within a historical framework, students develop a deeper appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Materials Needed:
- Large wall poster or bulletin board
- Index cards or printouts
- Tape, string, push pins
- Markers or pens
How to Do:
- Assign each student or small group a significant event, movement, or figure in LGBTQ+ history.
- Ask them to research the topic and write a short summary that includes the date, what happened, and why it matters.
- Have students decorate their cards with relevant images or symbols.
- Hang all the cards in chronological order on a board or string line to create a visual timeline. Add title cards to mark decades or major eras.
3. Pride Flag Art Project
In this creative activity, students design their own versions of the Pride flag or replicate existing ones, such as the Progress Pride flag, while learning about the meaning of each color and symbol. It’s an opportunity to explore identity and diversity through art.
As they work, students are encouraged to reflect on how colors can represent values like love, healing, unity, and inclusion. The final artwork can be displayed to transform the classroom into a vibrant celebration of Pride.
Materials Needed:
- Construction paper, cardboard, or fabric
- Paint, colored markers
- Glue, scissors
- Optional: glitter, stickers, and craft decorations
How to Do:
- Start by teaching students about different Pride flags and the meanings of each color.
- Then, provide materials and invite them to create their own version of a Pride flag that represents themselves, their values, or support for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Once complete, allow students to share the meaning behind their designs and hang them around the classroom to showcase diversity.
4. Book Reading & Discussion Circle
This activity involves reading LGBTQ+-inclusive children’s or young adult literature as a class, followed by a guided discussion. Students explore themes such as identity, acceptance, family, and courage.
The conversation helps promote empathy and understanding, while also developing critical thinking and active listening skills. Choosing age-appropriate books with diverse characters allows all students to see themselves—or others—reflected in the story.
Materials Needed:
- A LGBTQ+ inclusive children’s or young adult book
- Discussion prompts or question cards
- Comfortable seating area
How to Do:
- Select an age-appropriate book such as “Julian Is a Mermaid” for younger students or “George” by Alex Gino for middle schoolers.
- Read the book aloud or assign chapters as homework.
- Lead a class discussion using guiding questions such as “How did the character feel?” or “Why is it important to be yourself?”
- Encourage students to share their thoughts in small groups or a full-circle format to foster respectful dialogue.
5. Ally Pledge Wall
The Ally Pledge Wall is one of the most meaningful activities for students during Pride Month. Students explore what it means to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and write personal allyship pledges.
These heartfelt commitments are displayed on a classroom wall or bulletin board as colorful notes, handprints, or hearts. This activity fosters advocacy, accountability, and a supportive learning space where every identity is valued and respected.
Materials Needed:
- Large poster or bulletin board space
- Sticky notes, index cards, or colorful paper
- Markers, pens, tape
How to Do:
- Begin with a classroom conversation about what it means to be an ally.
- Provide each student with a note card or sticky note where they write their pledge — a sentence or two showing their support.
- Add all notes to a designated wall, creating a powerful and collective display.
- Revisit the wall throughout Pride Month to discuss and reinforce the values written there.
6. Rainbow Science Experiment
Combine Pride Month with hands-on STEM by conducting a rainbow-themed science experiment—such as creating a rainbow using water, light, and mirrors or layering colored liquids by density.
While engaging in scientific discovery, students also discuss the symbolism of the rainbow in LGBTQ+ communities. This integrated approach makes learning both fun and meaningful, blending creativity with inquiry-based learning.
Materials Needed:
- Six clear plastic or glass cups
- Water
- Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
- Paper towels
How to Do:
- Fill three cups with colored water (red, yellow, and blue) and place empty cups between them.
- Fold paper towels into strips and place them connecting one cup to the next.
- Over time, the water will travel through the paper towels and mix, creating a full rainbow.
- Discuss the result as a metaphor for unity — when we bring together different people, we create something extraordinary.
7. LGBTQ+ Word Wall
Students research and define key terms related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and inclusivity (e.g., “non-binary,” “cisgender,” “ally,” “pansexual,” etc.). These words are then added to a brightly decorated word wall in the classroom.
The goal is to build students’ vocabulary while normalizing inclusive language. This resource can be referenced throughout the year to support respectful communication and understanding.
Materials Needed:
- Large bulletin board or wall space
- Index cards or colored paper
- Markers and tape
How to Do:
- Introduce a few important terms (like “non-binary,” “gender identity,” “queer,” “ally”) and their definitions.
- Have students write them on cards and decorate with colors or symbols.
- Add new terms weekly and use them during class discussions or reflections.
- Encourage students to ask questions and engage respectfully with the new vocabulary.
8. “What Pride Means to Me” Writing Prompt
Students reflect on the meaning of Pride Month by responding to a thoughtful writing prompt about identity, acceptance, and the importance of equality. This could be a personal essay, poem, or letter.
The activity supports self-expression and encourages students to engage with Pride on a deeper emotional level. It also opens the door for respectful sharing and peer discussions if students are comfortable doing so.
Materials Needed:
- Writing paper or digital devices
- Optional: writing prompt templates
- Pen or keyboard access
How to Do:
- Present prompts such as “What does Pride mean to you?” or “Describe a time you helped someone feel included.”
- Give students time to brainstorm, draft, and edit their responses.
- Invite volunteers to share their writing with the class (optional).
- Display some of the final drafts (with permission) on a bulletin board to honor their voices.
9. Inclusive Classroom Poster Contest
One simple way to bring Pride Month activities into your classroom is by organizing an Inclusive Classroom Poster Contest for students. They team up or work alone to design posters that promote kindness, equality, and respect in the classroom.
They design bold visuals and meaningful slogans, helping shape a more inclusive classroom. Completed posters can be showcased throughout the school during Pride Month.
Materials Needed:
- Poster board or large paper
- Markers, colored pencils, paint
- Optional: stickers, stencils
How to Do:
- Invite students to create posters on themes like “Everyone Belongs” or “Celebrate Pride.”
- Offer examples or brainstorm messages as a class before they begin.
- Display the posters in the hallway or classroom. Consider having classmates vote on categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Message.”
- Highlight how art can be a tool for awareness and change.
10. Rainbow Math Challenge
Celebrate Pride while reinforcing math skills by integrating rainbow-themed challenges—such as graphing colorful data sets, solving pattern puzzles, or creating rainbow-colored arrays.
Students can even estimate and measure colorful materials like beads or candy by color. This cross-curricular activity makes math more engaging while also connecting learning with the vibrant themes of Pride Month.
Materials Needed:
- Rainbow-colored manipulatives (like Skittles or cubes)
- Graph paper
- Colored pencils
How to Do:
- Create math challenges like “Sort and graph the number of candies by color” or “Calculate the average number of colors used in flags.”
- Students solve the problems, then graph the results using colored pencils.
- Wrap up with a discussion about how data and diversity both help us see the world more clearly.
11. LGBTQ+ Trailblazers Research Project
Students select a notable LGBTQ+ figure from history or contemporary society—such as Marsha P. Johnson, Harvey Milk, or Laverne Cox—and conduct research to create a short presentation, poster, or slideshow.
This activity introduces students to diverse role models and highlights the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across fields like science, politics, art, and sports. It encourages respect and admiration for people of all identities.
Materials Needed:
- Internet access or library resources
- Research guides or worksheets
- Poster paper or slide tools
How to Do:
- Assign or let students choose an LGBTQ+ figure in history, politics, arts, or activism.
- Guide them in researching their background, achievements, and legacy.
- Students create posters or digital presentations to share with the class.
- Reinforce the message that representation matters and that everyone can make a difference.
12. Pride-Themed Music & Movement Session
Students engage with upbeat, inclusive music that celebrates diversity and self-expression. As part of Pride Month activities for students, songs with affirming messages are played during a fun movement break, dance session, or classroom celebration.
Learners can choreograph short dance routines or express themselves through free movement. This joyful activity encourages self-confidence, inclusivity, and a strong sense of community through energetic, creative expression.
Materials Needed:
- Speaker or audio system
- Pride-themed playlist (age-appropriate songs)
- Open space for movement
How to Do:
- Curate a playlist featuring LGBTQ+ artists or songs with positive, empowering messages.
- Let students dance, clap, or even create short choreographed routines.
- Use breaks between songs to reflect on the lyrics or the artists’ stories.
- It’s a fun way to end the week or month while reinforcing inclusive themes.
Sum up
Pride Month activities for students encourage acceptance, support self-expression, and strengthen a culture of respect in your classroom. These thoughtful activities help students better understand themselves and others, laying the groundwork for inclusive values all year long.
As a teacher, your role in shaping open-minded, compassionate learners is vital. With every small action, you’re helping students build a world where everyone feels safe, seen, and celebrated.
