Celebrating Pride Month

As the vibrant hues of the rainbow flag wave across cities worldwide, Pride Month stands as a powerful testament to the journey of the LGBTQ+ community. Every June, the streets come alive with parades, events, and gatherings celebrating diversity and fostering an environment of acceptance and love. This month-long commemoration is not only a time for celebration but also a profound reminder of the struggles, triumphs, and ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Looking back on Pride Month 2024, we are beyond proud of the community (emphasis on ‘unity’) that our little corner of the world has created. Our BE Prideful co-leads shared the stage with Brendan Patrick and Sophie Green from the SuperLit podcast as they exchanged knowledge and experience on LGBTQ+ literature and culture. Their insightful discussion prompted a number of emotions that included some laughs and tears along the way.

To top off the events from this month, BE Prideful made history as the first Employee Resource Group (ERG) to conduct an internal newsletter takeover. They offered knowledge on history, art, and literature while sharing recipes and engaging in a fun Pride Month Trivia game with our team members.

Pride Month was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of our entire community. Bob D'Errico one of our BE Prideful co-leads, expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, "I am proud of the work and sense of community that BE Prideful provides. As Pride Month closes, I encourage everyone to continue to be proud of who they are and to celebrate our differences and learn through one another throughout the rest of the year!"

The collaborative spirit and active participation were also highlighted by our BE Prideful executive sponsor, Mike Urban, who remarked, "Pride Month was great! We achieved our aspirational goal during Pride Month with the engaging conversation with guest speakers from the SuperLit podcast. It was also amazing to see our BE Prideful member base very active in our newsletter takeover!” Their words encapsulate the collective effort and celebrate the vibrant, inclusive environment we've fostered together.

While Pride Month may be coming to a close, the work towards advancing LGBTQ+ rights are far from over. Pride Month serves as a reminder that the journey toward true equality and acceptance continues, urging allies and advocates to persist in their efforts.

As we reflect on Pride Month, it is important to consider the future of the LGBTQ+ movement. Ensuring the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals require continuous advocacy, education, and awareness. Issues such as healthcare access, protection against discrimination, and the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals need sustained attention and action. By committing to these efforts, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.