8 Ideas for Celebrating Pride Month in the Workplace

In June, Pride Month is celebrated globally to honor the LGBTQ+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual), their liberations, and their impact throughout history. It also serves to raise awareness of the inequality issues still present today. What began as “Gay Pride Day” grew to become an entire month of celebration, attracting millions of participants worldwide. And you don’t have to identify as LGBTQ+ to celebrate!

Now more than ever, our culture is shaping itself to protect and accept the unique identities and beliefs of one another. Protests and marches are heard around the world, diversity and inclusion is prominent in our daily lives, and entire months are dedicated to observing the previously minoritized. The more support given to the community helps create a world where everyone can live a safe, open, and genuine life.

The History of Pride Month

It began over half a century ago at The Stonewall Inn, a little tavern nestled in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Peace, love, and flower power was alive for many in America’s 1960’s, but the gay community was still struggling for basic societal acceptance.

In NYC, same-sex relations were illegal and the NY State Liquor Authority would swiftly shutdown establishments that were suspected of serving alcohol to LGBTQ+ individuals, deeming it “disorderly.” The Stonewall Inn opposed these laws and offered a safe refuge for all people to come together and enjoy a drink. But in the early hours of June 28^th, 1969, police raided the tavern. Police raids on pro-gay establishments were common, but this time violence broke out between the police and patrons. The fight surged into the street, people were arrested and thrown into squad cars, bottles and fists were hurled at police, and a mob of participating neighbors quickly grew.  

The next night, when Stonewall Inn once again opened its doors to all, a large crowd of supporters arrived chanting “gay power” and “we shall overcome.” The police, again, arrived at the scene – this time with tear gas. Over the next six days, a growing number of activists continued to gather in support – becoming a milestone event for the Gay Rights Movement. A final riot ensued after the local Village Voice’s newspaper published an article on the story that included homophobic slurs.

The impact of the Stonewall Uprisings immediately gave the momentum for LGBTQ+ organizations and newspapers to be founded. And one year later, the first Pride parade took place on the riot’s anniversary. Since then, parades have been held globally each year, discriminating LGBTQ+ laws were reversed, and the US Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in 2015.

Today, the Stonewall Inn is now a National Monument, recognized as a Historical Landmark by the National Park Service. Every year, New York City’s Pride March passes this site of unforgettable importance.

8 Ideas for Celebrating Pride Month at Work

Celebrating Pride Month in the workplace is a wonderful way for everyone to give their support towards the LGBTQ+ community. It also allows those who identify to feel accepted and supported amongst their peers. Always remember to practice inclusivity every day of the year and make sure the culture is fostering a safe environment each day that genuinely accepts the differences of others.

There are many ways an organization can celebrate Pride, whether it’s onsite or remote, in a corporate office or at a healthcare facility. Here are just a few ideas to choose from for showing support:

1. Pride Month Attire
   This is an easy companywide, all-inclusive activity. Encourage employees to wear apparel – such as ties, shirts, and scrubs – that reflect Pride colors. There are many variations of the Pride Flag, but the most common color combination is the rainbow – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. These colors can be worn all month long, with an extra emphasis on June 28^th (Gay Pride Day, and the Stonewall Uprising anniversary).
   
   
2. Digital Pride Themes
   Much of our work is digital these days, which gives many opportunities to show support visually. Through incorporating Pride themed graphics, an organization can share an updated email signature for employees to use in email correspondences. Logos and visuals on a company website can also be updated, as well as any internal and external newsletters.
   
   
3. Pride Social Media Posts
   Social Media is an impactful way of sharing support with the entire world. It also allows others to know that a company’s culture supports diversity and inclusion. An organization can share posts on any social media platform that surrounds the topic of Pride while also utilizing themed frames, filters, and relevant hashtags.
   
   
4. Include LGBTQ+ in Book Club
   If an organization is lucky enough to have a book club, include books that feature authors and stories of the LGBTQ+ community. Choose a book from Reader’s Digest 2023 list of The 17 Best LGBTQ Books, According to Queer Authors to include as the next one to read.
   
   
5. Pride Trivia
   While many people are aware of Pride Month, not everyone may know the full extent of its history. Hosting a Pride Trivia during a company culture club meeting, or even in a happy hour event, is a great way to teach others the important history of how Pride came to be, as well as facts within the community today. Kahoot is a popular game-based, digital learning platform that can make trivia time fun, engaging, and educational.
   
   
6. Join a Local Pride March
   Organizations can encourage companywide attendance of a local Pride Parade. Not only is it showing support towards the community, but it’s also a wonderful team building experience where everyone can feel understood and accepted. If an organization is remote, employees can be encouraged to attend any nearby Pride Parades with family and friends. Photographs from the parades can also be posted on the company’s social media platforms and in company newsletters.
   
   
7. Give to LGBTQ+ Charities and Foundations
   Donating is a great way to give support, and there are countless charities and foundations that are making great strides in the LGBTQ+ community. Here is a small list of charities that’s doing wonderful work for the community:
   • Trans Lifeline – Non-Profit peer support and crisis hotline with all transgender operators
   • The Trevor Project – Non-Profit focusing on suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth
   • LGBTQ Freedom Fund – Organization liberating overincarcerated LGBTQ+ individuals
   • Openhouse – Organization providing senior LGBTQ+ communities and housing assistance
   • LGBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders – Non-Profit providing litigation, advocacy, and education
   • Pride Foundation – A scholarship granting philanthropic foundation
   • The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative – Non-Profit providing LGBTQ+ educational programs
     
     
8. Shop at LGBTQ+ Owned Retailers
   Everyone shops, so why not support shops owned by LGBTQ+ individuals? Through the use of newsletters, bulletin boards, and team chats, organizations can encourage employees to be mindful of where they give their monetary support. In many cities, there are local shops owned by LGBTQ+ individuals. But if not, here are some LGBTQ+ online retailers that can be shared with employees:
   • Boy Smells – Candles, Fragrances, and Intimate Apparel
   • Equator Coffees – Coffee and Espresso Blends
   • Andie Swim – Women’s Swim Apparel
   • Bowtie Behavior – Bowties
   • Peau De Loup – Gender Neutral Apparel
   • Brave Gentleman – Men’s Shoes
   • Jonathan Adler – Home Décor
   • Pink House Alchemy – Cocktail Simple Syrups, Bitters, and Shrubs
   • Malin + Goetz – Skin Care, Beauty Products, Fragrance, and Candles
     

When it comes to organizations supporting inclusivity efforts, it’s important to remember that the most meaningful way to promote diversity, inclusion, and equality is to ensure your workforce is feeling supported, heard, and safe. Stay mindful of how you choose to celebrate with your employees, internally and externally. Happy Pride, everyone!

Last Modified: 06/06/2023

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