Reflecting on #PrideandProgress from our Co-Founder and CEO Bill Calhoun
June 28, 1970, marked Christopher St. Liberation Day, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Thousands of #LGBTQ+ community members marched through New York into Central Park in what would become America's first gay pride parade.
So much has transpired since then. The world today is vastly different from the one I was born into, predating Stonewall by just a short time. There has been remarkable progress socially, politically, legally, and culturally—most of which I never expected to witness in my lifetime. I am deeply grateful to the LGBTQ+ elders who paved the way.
Words cannot fully express the gratitude I feel for the countless sacrifices, struggles, and persistent efforts that have brought us to where we are today. From a world with little LGBTQ+ representation, we now have out politicians, actors, corporate CEOs, legal recognitions, and protections—a far cry from 50+ years ago. While there is still work to be done, I am committed to continuing my efforts to be part of that forward momentum.
As an out and proud co-founder and leader of an National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Certified company, I am acutely aware of what had to happen to make this possible. I believe there is an inherent responsibility for the community my certification represents to benefit from the opportunities afforded to me. This has manifested through monetary contributions, volunteering, serving on an #LGBT Chamber Board, mentoring, providing employment opportunities, and more.
If you are in a position to extend resources or opportunities, I encourage you to do so. How we give back or support our community is personal, but every effort makes a difference in creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
#HappyPrideMonth #PrideVisibility #LGBTQ+