Pride isn't just about celebration

It’s about educating others and opening hearts and minds to the beauty and lived experiences of queer folks

Two weeks ago, I found myself in a room full of laughter, pain, and pride as I watched Alok Vaid-Menon perform in Portland.?

I was there with five friends and it felt like a much-needed sanctuary in these challenging times. The shared experience of joy and safety within our community was a powerful reminder of why a connection like this, among people who share our same experiences, is so vital.

Being a queer founder has its unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding spaces where I feel truly at home.?

There are so many hyper-femme and female founder spaces that often leave me feeling a bit out of place with their pink backdrops and #girlboss vibes.?

It’s left me seeking other spaces to feel safe and seen, and I’ve found the most solace in the containers I’ve created with my Fearless team, like our Figure 8 mastermind, and the personal connections I’ve built with other queer entrepreneurs. It’s made me realize there is a true need to create more spaces that allow queer founders to connect on deeper levels, providing the support that’s often missing elsewhere. As I have been more open about my identity, I’ve cultivated incredible queer founder friends into my life, for which I am profoundly grateful.

My only wish is that we could all gather together and be the support that feels needed now more than ever.

I wish I could do more to hold space and create a blanket of protection for my trans friends and peers. While the many horrific anti-trans bills around the country haven't impacted me directly (learn more about them here), the effects on the well-being of this side of the community have been radically impacted. This reality underscores the importance of our community and the urgent need for solidarity, and this pride season I feel like the sole focus needs to be on supporting and protecting the lives of trans people.

As Pride month begins, I am reminded it’s not just about the celebration but also about educating others and opening hearts and minds to the beauty and lived experiences of queer folks. Pride is our time to shine, to be visible, and to share our stories.

In that spirit, I encourage you to reflect on how we can support each other beyond this month. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or an ally, we all should be asking ourselves:

What actions can we take in our businesses to ensure they are genuinely inclusive??

?How can we use our platforms to amplify the voices and stories of queer individuals?

What actions can we take to support and advocate for the rights of trans people?

What can we do to create more safe and inclusive spaces for queer humans?

How can we be more vocal in both actions and words in support of the LGBTQ+ community?

The fight for acceptance and equality is ongoing, but together, we are stronger.

Let’s use our collective power to create a world where every queer individual can thrive.

Let’s build businesses that stand as beacons of support and solidarity for our community.

Here’s to creating allegiance, fostering community, and supporting each other every step of the way.

With Pride and Solidarity,

Madeline

If you’re starting to feel the whisper of burnout, like nothing you do could possibly make a difference in the world, you definitely need to listen to this episode of Finding Fearless. I had the chance to interview Dr. Dee Frayne; we discussed how to reshape our impact on the world, one person at a time. From the roots of activism in personal growth workshops to the complexities of nonprofit sectors, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. ?

Tune into the episode

As you engage thoughtfully in Pride marketing events, don’t forget about diversifying your team! The Everywhere Is Queer app just launched its new job board, where queer and allied businesses can post openings for app users to apply for. Head to the Everywhere Is Queer app to learn more!

Some of our favorite leaders have published their books through Row House Publishing, which is why we are thrilled that this equitable publishing house has offered a new way to support its work and its authors: community-oriented investing.?

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Row House boasts a impressive list of more than 50 published and forthcoming books—including two 2023 New York Times bestsellers and multiple award winners—written, illustrated, edited, and designed by a diverse community of creators.?

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