8 Ways to Celebrate a Neopian Pride Month

     This special time of year is a chance for Neopians to honour what makes us unique, to uplift our communities, and to sprinkle a little extra colour, kindness, and joy into the world. As someone who is part of Neopia’s queer community, I know how important it can be to make this month special. Whether you're a longtime Neopian or a fresh-faced newbie, here are eight heartfelt, silly, and sparkly ways to show your pride this month.

     1. Take a Dip in the Rainbow Pool

     Since Neopia’s beginnings, the Rainbow Pool has been *the* place for magic, transformation, and joy. What better way is there to show your pride than with a splash of colour? Head to the Rainbow Pool and transform your Neopet with a magical paint brush. Choose from Rainbow, Disco, Swampgas, or whatever colour will best express your Pets true self!

     Don’t have a Paint Brush? No problem! Window shopping at the Rainbow Pool and dreaming up future looks with your pet can be just as fun. Maybe even set a goal together to save up for that elusive Royal or Faerie makeover. Pride is about possibility, after all.

     2. Adopt a Pet from the Neopian Pound

     For many of us, pride is about our chosen family. One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate that spirit in Neopia is by adopting a pet from the Neopian Pound.

     Every day, Neopets find themselves in the Pound for all sorts of reasons. Maybe their previous owner stopped playing or didn't have enough time or resources to support them. But each one of those Pets is still full of personality, potential, and love. Whether it’s a basic Yellow Chia, a zapped Mutant Wocky, or a Yellow Gelert with a surprisingly poetic Petpage, they all deserve a home where they can truly be themselves.

     If you have room on your account, consider taking a look at the Neopian Pound. You might stumble across a Pet who feels like they were meant to be part of your story.

     3. Invest in Some Pride Swag

     Neopia is brimming with rainbow-themed goodies, from Rainbow Cupcakes, Handheld Pride Flags, or even a Baby Rainbow Pride Binky. Why not celebrate this month by indulging in some impulse purchases? Here are some of our favourite pride items I think Pets from all different shapes and stripes can love:

• Pride Parade in Neopia Background

       

• Colour Changing Tulips

       

• BeYOUtiful Burgers

       

• Many Kinds of Families

       

• Maraquan Rainbow Heart Pride Sunglasses

       

• Handheld Baby Transgender Pride Flag

       

     Love these items as much as I do? Consider starting your own Pride Gallery to showcase your collection of rainbow items and pride-themed foods. Whether you're showing off rainbow smoothies or stocking up on colourful Petpets (have you seen the Rainbow Baby Space Fungus??), there’s no limit to the creative ways you can express your style.

     4. Play a Game of Faerie Bubbles

     What do bubbles have to do with pride? Everything, if you’re celebrating with Faeries! Besides, nothing says “celebration” like bursting rainbows. Get a high enough score and you could even earn yourself a sparkly new rainbow avatar.

     5. Go Dancing at the Tyrannian Music Hall

     There’s nothing more freeing than dancing like no one’s watching—and where better to do it than the Tyrannian Concert Hall? Grab tickets to your favourite band and let your Pets rock out under the prehistoric stars. Whether they’re grooving with the Chomby and the Fungus Balls, showing off the choreography to a Yes Boy Ice-Cream anthem, or rocking out to the Twisted Roses, the Concert Hall is sure to have your Pet’s favourite icon booked this month. Even if you decide to have your own dance party at home, nothing says pride like dancing to a beat!

     6. Get Dressed in a Pride-Inspired Outfit

     Why stop at just buying pretty items when you can go all out on a pride inspired outfit? From sparkly wings to pastel wigs, Neopia's clothes shops are bursting with options. Create an outfit that shows off your Neopet’s identity whether it’s loud, proud, or softly sweet. Bonus points for coordinating accessories or matching with your whole Neofamily!

     If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try out a drag inspired look! Who says that dresses and makeup are for girls and suits and muscles are for boys? As long as your Pets are having fun, this is the month to make your own rules!

     7. Express Your Pride on the Neoboards

     The Neoboards are always bustling with Neopians, and Pride month is no exception. Celebrate this month by making a NeoSignature that shows off your personality and identity. For some avatar inspiration, I recommend:

     

• Chomby – Colourful (Pride Flag)

       

• Fyora - Faerie Queen (Trans Flag)

       

• Faerie Pteri (Lesbian Flag)

       

• Huggy (Bisexual Flag)

       

• Ace Zafara (Aroace)

       

• I ♥ Happiness (Genderqueer Flag)

       

     Once your Neosig is looking snazzy, head over to the boards! This year, the community-run Neopian Pride festival will be holding events across the boards from June 26th – Jun 28th. The Neopets community is what makes Neopia special, and sharing your story (or just spreading encouragement) can help others feel seen and supported. Remember: Kindness is the rarest item of all.

     8. Tell Your Pets How Much You Love Them

     At the heart of it all, Pride Month is about love: love for who you are, and love for those around you. Take a moment to sit down with your Neopets and remind them how special they are. Whether they're zany, shy, bookish, or bold, they belong!

     So there you have it: eight different ways to celebrate Pride in Neopia. This list is by no means comprehensive, and there are so many more ways to celebrate Pride in your own way. Stay safe, Neopians, and Happy Pride Month!