Pride Month 2024

It's here!!!

Pride Month 2024 began this weekend, and as expected, the burst of colors popping up everywhere in the form of rainbows has given our stores, streets, and online platforms a more joyful feeling. Everything looks better with a little rainbow, right?

While this joy is popping up everywhere, I want to recognize that I know that Pride is controversial to many, especially when it comes to corporate America. Every time that I post about the queer community there are fewer engagements and even a loss in followers/subscribers, which is fine, but for me, I want you to know that I will forever be unapologetically queer - in all spaces. And this space specifically will continue to reflect that. I welcome anyone who wants to be here.

It's in that same vein that I also have to acknowledge that this year feels a bit different. I was talking with former colleagues this weekend and they noted their organizations had to delete/turn off comments on their company's social media posts because of the vitriol that was coming from others in response to their (very tame) "happy pride month" posts. This was the first year they've had to do this, but the comments truly got that bad - and that's a startling reminder of the current state of LGBTQ+ acceptance right now in our societies. This makes sense, because right now there are over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in motion across the United States.

The thing about Pride is that it's intrinsically political, whether we like it or not. In light of the hate spewing online, and through our communities, it only reinforces the need for celebrations like Pride Month to help show us that there are people out there who are willing to support us and see the worth and dignity in our lives, regardless of who we love and how we live.

There is a quote that's been floating around the internet the past week and I wanted to share it, because to me, this feels like a great explanation and insight into what the queer experience is:

"Queer people don't grow up as ourselves. We grow up as a version of ourselves to sacrifice authenticity to minimize humiliation and prejudice. The massive task of our adult lives is to unpick which parts of ourselves are truly us and which parts were created to protect us."

You see, this is why it's important that we celebrate Pride and continue creating spaces that allow for our folks to feel comfortable being themselves. Even at 31, I am still learning who I authentically am, and that means I cannot hide who parts of me for 40+ hours a week; that's just exhausting and unnecessary! Listen, I know this is LinkedIn, but we have to remember that I'm as gay as I am "on the clock" as I am "off the clock," and I'm bringing my whole self to work. This is the same for any queer person.

At this moment in time, there are several folks I know who have to remain "closeted" at work due to fear of mistreatment, so if me being loud and proud helps to create even just a sliver of a safe space for them, then that's the least I can do. You might not realize this, but queer people don't come out just one time; they come out daily. To new friends, new coworkers, clients, and perfect strangers. Just a few weeks ago at the barber during my beard trim he said, "the ladies are going to love you, man," and I had to decide on if I was going to correct him or not. We are constantly evaluating and trying to find clues that show that the spaces we are in are spaces that we will be not just welcoming, but affirming, of our identities. I hope that you can commit to making your space equally as inviting and inclusive. Your teammates, friends, and family deserve that.

Be the kind of person, and company, that your people will never have to question whether or not they'll be supported by you.

As we continue forward in our celebrations this month, I wanted to share some actionable items with you to engage with, and learn from, the queer community! This is a great starting point for those of you who are wanting to be an ally to the queer community. Supporting our stories and voices is the most meaningful thing you could do - so check out the below and start diving in!

Authors to read:

• Dr. Eric Cervini
• Roxanne Gay
• TJ Klune
• Trent Preszler
• R. Eric Thomas

Artists/Actors to watch:

• MJ Rodriquez
• Brandi Carlile
• Alex Newell
• Jonathan Bailey
• Mary Lambert

Internet Personalities to follow:

• Matt Bernstein
• Pattie Gonia
• Jo Yurcaba
• Symone

National Organizations to support:

• Trans Justice Funding Project
• GLAAD
• The Trevor Project
• The Okra Project
• Your local LGBTQ+ Chamber

You can also go here to see locally owned queer businesses: https://www.everywhereisqueer.com/

Other ways to support:

1. VOTE! Make sure your candidate is clearly talking about their views on LGTBQ+ people and ensure they’re positively impacting the community with their votes/actions/platforms.

2. SPEAK UP! We tend to talk about everything on social media, so it’s pretty noticeable on how someone supports/views the queer community if they never bring up the community in their posts. For example, if you always post about big “firsts” and when the first openly gay person wins X award, gets X honor, elected office, or if something big happens in the community, etc. (hopefully this makes sense) and you say nothing, you’re actually saying a lot. Silence is loud!

3. CALL IT OUT! Hear homophobic or transphobic comments? Shut it down. This also includes racist comments, because #intersectionality!

4. ACT! Go to protests, parades, rallies, and more. Sign the petitions and share the posts. Go to the drag shows and throw your dollar bills! Show up for the queer community. Following the news and some of the internet people I listed above will help you know when and where to show up and what to do.

5. CHECK IN! Reach out to your queer friends. Ask how they’re doing when something happens. Right now there’s concern with the overwhelming amount of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being processed throughout the states (it's actually a record high amount, unfortunately!). Do a pulse check with your peers and see what support they need.

Once again, not an exhaustive list, or even the best, but it’s a start! (and if you have recommendations on what to add, you should put those in the comments!)

Overall, I hope that this Pride Month, you're able to feel, and participate in, the joy that those within the queer community radiate every day, despite the challenges we're consistently facing. Pride Month is for everyone who identifies within the community, and our allies, so what are you waiting for? Come join us!

Happy Pride!