It's the most colorful time of the year as Gay Pride Month has officially commenced, and people across the nation are celebrating this time of cultural awareness! During a time where societal views can create tensions, people around the country are trying to show their support for fellow citizens. As an ally and friend to the LGBTQ+ community, I've decided to showcase how the nation is showing their #gaypride from fashion trends to peaceful demonstrations! In honor of Gay Pride Month, below is a list compiled of videos and feature stories to show the strength of the LBGTQ+ community and the outpouring of love our country hopes to show them.

1. Disney Introduces RAINBOW Ears

Mousca-Hey, Mousca-Hi, Mousca-Ho! Open those ears because you'll definitely want to hear about Disney's latest surprise for Gay Pride Month! Rainbow-colored Mickey Mouse ears flood the streets and sidewalks of both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Termed #PrideEars, these exclusive (don't try to purchase them online, trust me I already did) Mickey ears are currently being sold at both Disney Parks and are a perfect statement piece for all Disney fans and LGBTQ+ celebrations. With two hands forming a heart on the front of the hat, Disney emphasizes that #loveislove.

2. American LGBTQ+ Advocates Show Support at Cuban Pride Events

There are many peaceful protests happening in the nation right now – including the upcoming Pride March on June 24 – however, some passionate LGBTQ+ supporters decided to take their voices overseas. From May 12-14 a group of U.S. LGBTQ+ allies joined people in Cuba, who were petitioning the Cuban government to recognize equal marriage rights for same-sex couples and transgender individuals. The support drawn from the U.S. demonstrates the strong bridges built between people of different nations for the recognition of the LGBTQ+ community across borders.

3. Remembering Glenn Burke

Do you love giving out high-fives to your friends, family, strangers? A high-five has become a symbol of friendship, excitement, and encouragement; however, I bet you don't know where the high-five originated. Let's take a journey back in time to where this symbol of friendship stemmed from. Glenn Burke, the first openly gay baseball player, gave the very first high-five in October 1977, after his teammate on the L.A. Dodgers hit a home run. After a short-lived baseball career due to the homophobia of major league coaches, Burke publicly came out in an article written by an LGBTQ+ activist, who described the high-five as a legacy of two men's hands touching in the air. When you turn on your TV this weekend for your favorite baseball team, remember Glenn Burke and his impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

4. Picture Book Speaks on LGBTQ+ Awareness

Children have the opportunity to read books that cover topics ranging from the tooth fairy, to slavery with genres that encompass mystery, non-fiction, fiction, fantasy, and now they finally have the chance to understand what it means to be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Learning about LGBTQ+ people and the history of Gay Pride through a fun and creative way – a picture book – will allow children to relate with this community through a way they can understand. Children's author, Rob Sanders, and illustrator, Steven Salerno, capture the story of Harvey Milk ­– a man who dreamed to become the first openly gay person serving in public office – through pages filled with vibrant color and little text. This book not only introduces children to people of the LGBTQ+ community, but also helps them to understand why the rainbow flag has become their symbol of love, hope, and strength.

5. The Creation of Us on OnlyGood.TV!

It's difficult for some people to comprehend what it means to be a parent belonging to the LGBTQ+ community. Through the series, The Creation of Us on OnlyGood.TV, viewers will see the story of transgender activist, Aydian Dowling and his wife Jenilee, and what it means to be parents in the LGBTQ+ community.

6. Flash Mob Proposal Brings Joy Story Wedding

What started out as a typical day leading a cycle class at JoyRide Cycling, the session quickly erupted into a flash mob performance as Adam Keller propsed, to his fiancé, Jared Marinelli. This secret flash mob proposal included the help from all of Keller's friends and family, who walked in holding signs with beautiful sayings such as, "I've always wanted another son" and "We approve!" When Marinelli quickly said yes to Keller, their proposal video went viral, reaching over fourteen million views. If you're one who's into sappy love stories and happy endings like me, Keller and Marinelli's story is an inspiring way to jumpstart your Gay Pride Month.

Gay Pride Month is a time to come together as members, allies and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community, and I hope these stories of LGBTQ+ acceptance and awareness inspires you to celebrate that love is love both this month and beyond. People, communities, and organizations are showing their LGBTQ+ pride through a variety of ways, how will you show yours?