Why Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride at Work?

Pride Month is celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, a series of demonstrations by members of the gay community in response to a June 1969 police raid at the Stonewall Inn, in New York City’s Greenwich Village. When the raids became violent, patrons of the Stonewall and other village lesbian and gay bars, along with neighborhood street people, fought back. The riots are among the most important events leading to the gay liberation movement and the current fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. Pride month recognizes the ongoing fight for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual individuals.

Celebrating Pride Month at work can help create a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies and can also benefit the entire workplace. Here are a few reasons why it is important to recognize Pride month and keep LGBTQIA+ issues top of mind all year long.

• Show Support: Pride Month can demonstrate that your organization values and respects all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It can also help LGBTQIA+ employees feel a sense of belonging.
• Promote Inclusion: Pride Month can help address stereotypes and biases against LGBTQ+ employees and the community. It can also help employees become more invested in their work and the company.
• Increase Awareness: Pride Month can help employees learn about the challenges and opportunities faced by LGBTQ+ populations and increase understanding of the issues they face.
• Attract and Retain Talent: A workplace that supports diversity is more likely to attract and retain top talent.
• Foster Creativity: A diverse workplace can also foster innovation and creativity.