Ciao, peers, colleagues, family, and friends! Welcome to another edition of my monthly roundup of interesting industry trends and insights. If you’re a first-time subscriber, welcome! In celebration of Pride Month, I highlighted significant and historical milestones throughout June. Here's a recap in case you missed any of the highlights.
The very foundations of PQE Group have been built on inclusivity and understanding, which is our main pathway toward innovation and success. Honoring our diverse team not only enriches our organizational culture but also drives us to achieve greater heights together. Every year, June stands as a shining symbol of the power of building safe communities where people are free to be themselves. Pride Month is a crucial moment to reinforce the ongoing journey toward equality and inclusion. To achieve excellence in the future, we must pay tribute to the past. Let’s start by tracing back some of the most pivotal moments in LGBTQIA+ history from the 1920s to the present day that underscores the importance of this celebration and teaches transformative lessons on how to build an equitable society.?
- 1924: This year essentially marked the beginning of organized LGBTQ+ rights activism in the United States when Henry Gerber founded the Society for Human Rights
in Chicago. As the first gay rights organization in America, it worked to challenge societal norms and advocate for equality and dignity for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation.
- 1950s-1960s: The homophile movement
, including the formation of the Mattachine Society
and Daughters of Bilitis
, aimed to increase visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community by pioneering peaceful activism. These groups laid the foundational groundwork for future movements and helped advance civil rights for marginalized communities.
- 1969: The Stonewall Riots
took place in June 1969 at the Stonewall Inn after a police raid targeted the LGBTQ+ community, and the patrons resisted. The raid sparked an uprising and continued for several days, marking a turning point in the gay rights movement. Also, the first Gay Pride March was organized in NYC on the first anniversary of the riots!
- 1978: Harvey Milk's election to public office
in San Francisco was a great milestone because it made him one of the first openly gay elected officials in a major US city and demonstrated the potential for political representation and social change. Despite his unfortunate assassination later that year, Milk's legacy continued to encourage global activism and advocacy.?
- 1980s: The HIV/AIDS crisis in the United States was uniquely severe because it was compounded by the widespread stigma that profoundly affected the LGBTQ+ community. Exemplified by the creation of the AIDS Memorial Quilt
in 1985, activism and awareness campaigns maintained the momentum of standing in solidarity for those affected by HIV/AIDS and commemorated lives lost.?
- 1990s-2000s: Another win for gay rights was the repeal of the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy
in 2011, allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military. This decision removed a harsh barrier to career advancement and recognition for LGBTQ+ service members and fostered a more supportive environment.?
- 2015:? Love is love! The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges
legalized same-sex marriage across the country and marked a monumental victory for equality. This ruling asserted that the right to marry is a fundamental right “inherent in the liberty of the person.”
- 2020s+: Fast forward to today. Although we have made leaps and bounds with inclusive progress, ongoing challenges continue, and the need for activism is as prevalent as ever. In 2024 and every year after, allies must continue to combat anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and fight for the visibility rights of every person in marginalized communities.?
From the start of my career and since founding PQE Group, my vision has always entailed establishing a workplace free from discrimination based on gender, age, religion, or culture. I deeply appreciate the revolutionary impact of diversity and talent development, recognizing them as invaluable assets that enrich business models across all levels, industries, and countries. At PQE Group, we understand that words are not enough to realize our vision; we need action. Whether it’s our CSR Committee, DEI initiatives, or sincere efforts to support globally marginalized communities, we aim to create more equitable and supportive environments by contributing to a safer and more prosperous world for every individual.?
Building an equitable, inclusive, and thriving society cannot be achieved alone. We need every person, ally, friend, family member, loved one, and advocate to keep fighting tirelessly for the rights, dignity, and well-being of every individual. Our unified commitment is essential in creating a world where everyone can live free from discrimination and oppression!
