By: By: Jerry P. Abraham, MD MPH CMQ
Photo by: Elena Dremova | Dreamstime.com
Each year I have the privilege of seeing how Pride season brings people together in ways that are joyful, affirming, and deeply meaningful. It’s a time when all of us get to celebrate our identity in ways that aren’t always possible in everyday life. Along with that freedom and excitement comes the need to think about your well-being in a practical, grounded way. Preparing for Pride isn’t about dampening the fun, it’s about making sure you can enjoy it fully and get home safely at the end of the day or night.
One of the most common things I talk about with patients around Pride is alcohol. It’s a big part of many celebrations, but it’s also easy to lose track of how much you’re drinking, especially when you’re moving between events or sharing rounds with friends. A good rule of thumb is to pace yourself and alternate alcoholic drinks with water. In Los Angeles, the heat alone can be draining, and dehydration can sneak up on you faster than you expect. Eating beforehand also makes a difference, having food in your system helps your body process alcohol more steadily. If you’re trying to be mindful of your intake, it can help to decide in advance how much you plan to drink and stick to it, rather than figuring it out on the fly–it can also save you money!
It’s also worth paying attention to your drink itself. Watch it being made when you can, and avoid leaving it unattended. This isn’t about being paranoid, it’s just a practical habit that reduces risk. If something about a drink tastes or feels off, trust your instincts and don’t finish it. And if you’re with friends, look out for one another, if someone seems more intoxicated than expected or starts acting differently, check in with them. That kind of mutual awareness goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.
Being in a group is one of the best protective factors during large events like Pride. There’s something simple but powerful about having a buddy system, even in a loose sense. You don’t have to stay glued together all night, but having a shared understanding of who you arrived with, who you plan to leave with, and how to reach each other can make a big difference. Before you head out, it’s helpful to exchange phone numbers, make sure your phones are charged, and even agree on a general meeting spot in case you get separated. In crowded environments, cell service can be spotty, so having a backup plan is more useful than it might seem.
Thinking about exits and escape routes might sound overly cautious, but it’s actually just a form of situational awareness. When you enter a venue, whether it’s a club, a street festival, or a party, take a quick mental note of where the exits are. If something unexpected happens, like a sudden crowd surge or a need to leave quickly, knowing your way out can help you stay calm and make decisions more easily. This doesn’t mean you should be on edge all night; it’s more about building a quiet sense of confidence in your surroundings.
Another topic that comes up often is the use of erection pills or other medications related to sexual activity. Medications like sildenafil (commonly known as Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) can be safe and effective when used as prescribed, but there are a few important considerations. First, it’s best to get these medications from a legitimate source, ideally through a prescription or a reputable pharmacy. Counterfeit pills are unfortunately common, and they can contain unknown substances or incorrect dosages. Second, these medications can interact with other drugs, especially nitrates, which are sometimes used for heart conditions, as well as certain recreational substances. Combining them can lead to dangerous drops in blood pressure. If you’re not sure how a medication might affect you, it’s worth having a conversation with your physician beforehand rather than experimenting during a busy, high-energy event.
Sexual health more broadly is another area where a bit of planning can go a long way. Pride often brings new connections and opportunities for intimacy, which can be exciting and meaningful. At the same time, it’s important to think about protection and prevention. Carrying condoms and knowing how to use them correctly is still one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. If you’re on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention, staying consistent with your medication schedule is key, even during a busy weekend. If you’re not on PrEP but think it might be right for you, Pride can be a good time to start that conversation with your doctor.
Heat and sun exposure are sometimes overlooked but can have a real impact on how you feel. Pride events often involve long hours outdoors, sometimes with limited shade. Wearing sunscreen, reapplying it during the day, and taking breaks in cooler areas can help prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion. Lightweight clothing, a hat, and staying hydrated all contribute to keeping your energy up so you can enjoy the experience rather than feeling drained halfway through.
Transportation is another practical piece of the puzzle. Deciding in advance how you’re getting to and from events can save you from having to make last-minute decisions when you’re tired or under the influence. Whether you’re using public transit, rideshare apps, or going with a designated driver, having a plan reduces stress and lowers the risk of unsafe choices. If you’re attending multiple events in different locations, it can help to map out your route ahead of time so you’re not relying entirely on your phone in the moment.
There’s also an emotional side to Pride that’s worth acknowledging. For many of us, Pride can be a mix of joy, relief, vulnerability, and sometimes even tension, especially if you’re navigating family expectations or cultural dynamics. Being in a space where you can express yourself openly can feel empowering, but it can also bring up feelings you didn’t expect. Check-in with yourself throughout the day and think about how you’re feeling, whether you need a break, whether you’re comfortable in a situation can help you stay grounded. It’s okay to step away from a crowded area, sit down, or even leave early if that’s what your body or mind is telling you.
Community care is a big part of what makes Pride special. Looking out for one another doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; it can be as simple as offering someone water, making sure a friend gets into their ride safely, or checking in with someone who seems overwhelmed. These small acts add up and contribute to an environment where people feel supported rather than isolated.
Finally, I want to emphasize that taking care of yourself during Pride isn’t about limiting your experience; it’s about sustaining it. The goal is to enjoy the celebration in a way that respects your body, your safety, and your boundaries. Pride is about being seen, being connected, and being able to show up as yourself. With a bit of preparation and awareness, you can do that in a way that leaves you feeling energized and proud not just in the moment, but in the days that follow.
If there’s one thing I’d leave you with, it’s this: you deserve to celebrate fully, and you also deserve to come home safe, healthy, and ready for whatever comes next. Happy Pre-Pride Month!
Remember, you can visit Dr. Jerry P. Abraham, MD MPH CMQ and the whole JWCH-Wesley HIV Street Medicine Team at Club Tempo in East Hollywood every Sunday night. Come get HIV-tested, PrEP’d, and all your LGBTQ+ Health questions answered!