How To Tap Into the Energy, Vibe, and Spirit of PRIDE 2026 — w/ Peppermint
About this episode
JVN and Peppermint discuss the significance of Pride, its evolution, and the importance of joy in building community.
This week on Getting Better, JVN sits down with actress, activist, performer, and NYC Pride Grand Marshal Peppermint for a conversation about the energy, joy, resilience, and community that make Pride so powerful. From starring in Survival of the Thickest to leading one of the world’s most iconic Pride celebrations, Peppermint shares what Pride means to her today, how the movement has evolved, and why joy remains one of the most important tools for building connection and creating change. Along the way, JVN and Peppermint dive into Pride history, the responsibility and excitement of being a Grand Marshal, what it means to be “the first,” and how we can all help create a future rooted in belonging. Plus: a gum health detour, baths vs. showers, some Peppermint’s Transcendence Tea, and why staying connected to our shared humanity matters now more than ever. Whether you’re celebrating Pride this month or looking for ways to build more community, courage, and joy in your everyday life, this episode is a reminder that Pride is more than a celebration - it’s a practice. Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here. Full Video Episodes now available on YouTube…
People in this episode
Host: Jonathan Van Ness
Guest: Peppermint
Topics covered
- Pride
- community
- joy
- resilience
- activism
- history
Keywords
- Pride 2026
- Peppermint
- activism
- community building
- joy
- history of Pride
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: NYC Pride, Hot & Healed Comedy Tour
Books & works: Survival of the Thickest
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