Pride is a commemoration of a turning point in LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) history. It is an opportunity to celebrate how far our society has come and to reflect on how far it still must go. Pride Month is celebrated each year in June to honour the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York, the six-day protest that served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement.
At Collective Results, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion as guiding principles and core values of our firm. We work hard to foster a culture of inclusion and understanding for our team and those we interact with. We acknowledge that we are still on a journey of learning when it comes to supporting the LGBTQ+ communities. In this blog, we share ideas for individuals and organizations about how to celebrate and recognize pride month.
Pride is celebrated in many countries, cities, and communities around the world. There is no one way to celebrate – remember, there are so many colours in the rainbow! Do what feels true and authentic to you and your organization. Celebrating pride and being an ally is more than updating your company’s zoom background or logo to incorporate the pride flag. Businesses and organizations continue to find unique and innovative ways to celebrate the month and to celebrate inclusion and diversity all year round.
Some ideas include:
1. Attending a Pride Event
There are so many different pride parades, concerts, events, and fundraisers. Show your organization’s pride by going to an event as a group. You can find more information about pride events across Ontario here.
2. Updating your Email Signatures
This is an inclusive practice for everyone, even if you are cisgender. Adding pronouns to your email signature shows that you are an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Add they/them, she/her, or he/him in brackets next to your
name in your email signature.
3. Reviewing your Discrimination and Diversity Policies
Is there something you can do to make your LGBTQ+ staff more comfortable in the workplace? Are your policies and procedures inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations? Start the dialogue to make sure your staff feel valued and accepted at work.
4. Volunteering or Donating to an LGBTQ+ Organization
Give back to the LGBTQ+ communities with your time or resources. Organize a group volunteering initiative, conduct a fundraising drive, or donate to a local charity or organization. Check out these LGBTQ+ organizations for more ideas.
What are some other ways to celebrate and recognize pride? We’d love to hear from you!