June is Pride Month, an annual celebration of the many contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community to history and society. Pride is celebrated in June to commemorate its roots in the Stonewall riots of June 1969, which catapulted the Gay Rights Movement from a fringe issue to a global movement. While significant progress has been achieved for the LGBTQIA+ community, we also see these rights slowly eroding and under threat through increasing anti-LGBTQ legislation.
Businesses that have previously been at the forefront of advocacy for marginalized groups are scaling back this year. In that light, now is a good time to have an honest conversation with ourselves and business leaders about strides your company is making toward LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Three questions you can ask to gauge this and maintain interest/momentum:
1. What has your organization done to improve the workplace for LGBTQIA+ employees and to meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ customers since June 2023?
2. What can you do that empowers your organization and employees to be better allies to the LGBTQIA+ community year-round?
3. How do you expand your personal awareness and knowledge about the LGBTQIA+ experience in the workplace and society?
Using Pride month as the only moment to highlight the LGBTQIA+ community is performative and harmful. It’s important that you do an honest assessment of your support of the LGBTQIA+ community and identify how you can make a greater impact year-round. Whether educating on gender identity or expanding your company benefits offerings, include LGBTQIA+ voices when deciding what actions your company can take, and be sure to do your research and education to grow your knowledge.
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