What does Pride mean to you?

Today we kick off Pride month in the US, a time to pause and acknowledge the resilience of so many who have fought and continue to fight to live freely (in the US and abroad) without harassment, discrimination, and violence – as well as to celebrate the achievements of those in the LGBT+ community.

This community has come a long way since the Stonewall uprising in 1969, but for all the progress made, the battle for complete equality goes on.

As bp's global head of DE&I, I’m proud to stand in solidarity with our LGBT+ friends as an ally in their pursuit of respect and fair and equitable treatment, but I think it’s especially important to hear about what this month means to them in their own words.

I’m very appreciative that two of my colleagues, Jesus Villanueva, and Jessye Palladino, agreed to share their thoughts, and I encourage you to read their words carefully and reflect on what more you can do to be an ally.

Now, over to Jesus and Jessye!

What Pride month means to me – Jesus Villanueva

Pride month is about being proud of who I am and recognizing that we are all equal, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or ethnic background. It means having the confidence to put my arm around my husband in public or openly speak about him to a work colleague or new acquaintance. It means being authentic and showing the world who I am.

Many queer people around the world find themselves in situations where they require the permission of others to live safely; sadly, many queer people around the world still live in danger of violence and even death just because of who they are. We’ve had to fight very hard in our country to gain fundamental human rights, workplace equality, and marriage equality for queer people.

The work seems never-ending, but it is worth every second we dedicate to it. Pride month is a reminder that our activism is important, that it means something, and has a real, life-changing effect on a lot of people.

Pride Month is the time of year when we are celebrated and valued for our uniqueness and our human worth, where we find our way to celebrate the joy of being alive and being free.

What Pride month means to me – Jessye Palladino

Pride is a celebration of how hard the community has fought, the progress that has been made, and a time to bask in queer joy. Pride is seeing people who look like you and love like you represented in the media, in the corporate world, and in everyday life.

Pride is being able to hold hands with my girlfriend and not worry that someone might say or do something. Pride is the ability to plan a vacation without having to check the local laws and cultural norms to determine if I can safely travel there. Pride is talking to my coworkers about what I did over the weekend without having to censor the pronouns of my partner.

Pride is a call to action for the work that still must be done. Pride is about recognizing that if any part of the community is under attack, we all must respond. Pride is supporting trans adults and trans kids, listening to their needs, and protecting their lives. Pride is allies showing up and speaking out for the queer community especially in spaces and conversations that a LGBTQ+ member is not present.

Pride started as a protest led by trans women of color and until all members of the community can walk down any street without the risk of physical, emotional, or political violence against them the fight must continue…and we will look fabulous while we do it!