How to Celebrate Pride at Work
Pride Month, observed annually in June, is an empowering occasion that carries great significance for the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters worldwide. This month-long celebration serves as a platform for individuals to honor and embrace diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
In this article, we discuss:
How to Celebrate Pride in:
History of Celebrating Pride in the Workplace
Pride events themselves originated from the commemoration of the historic Stonewall Riots in 1969, which marked a turning point in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and equity. The momentum continued over the following decades as well-known corporations started addressing LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace.
In 1975, AT&T became one of the first major corporations to adopt a policy prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.
In 1986, IBM added sexual orientation to its Equal Employment Opportunity policy, becoming one of the first major corporations to do so.
In 1992, Levi Strauss & Co. extended health benefits to same-sex partners of their employees, which was a groundbreaking move at the time.
In 2004, Google started celebrating Pride internally and has since become known for its annual participation in Pride parades and events.
Celebrating Pride in the workplace provides an opportunity for businesses to showcase their dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and respect, while affirming the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
How to Support LGBTQ+ Employees During Pride
According to this report from the William’s Institute of UCLA about the experience of the LGBTQ+ in the workplace, approximately 29.8% of LGBT employees disclosed facing employment discrimination, such as being terminated or denied job opportunities due to their sexual orientation or gender identity during their lifetime.
Creating an inclusive workplace that values and embraces LGBTQ+ individuals brings a wide range of benefits to both employees and companies.
🏳️🌈Organizations of all sizes have an essential role to play in supporting LGBTQ+ employees by implementing inclusive policies, practices, and benefits, and being accepting and accommodating. During Pride, it is a good time to review your processes and ensure your organization is:
Providing equal opportunities and protections for all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Establishing clear non-discrimination policies and procedures and ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals are safeguarded from any form of harassment or bias in the workplace. Not sure where to start? Download our Free DEI Policy Guide!
Offering comprehensive benefits that address the specific needs of LGBTQ+ employees, such as transgender-inclusive healthcare coverage, which will help demonstrate a genuine commitment to their well-being.
Actively engaging in Pride Month celebrations, organizing educational workshops on LGBTQ+ issues, and providing ongoing LGBTQ+ resources to employees.
By taking these proactive steps, companies send a powerful message of solidarity and create a safe and inclusive environment where LGBTQ+ employees can thrive and make valuable contributions to the business's success.
Tips for Celebrating Pride at Work
✅ For your event, ensure you are providing gender-neutral restrooms, which create safe and comfortable spaces for all employees and visitors, regardless of their gender identity.
✅ For your communications, use preferred names and pronouns helps to demonstrate the organization's dedication to fostering an inclusive work environment where all employees are valued and affirmed for being their authentic selves.
✅Participation in Pride Events Should be Optional. Pride month can be a stressful and unnerving time for some, and not everyone celebrates this observance the same way. When planning for different activities, attendance should not be forced or made mandatory.
While intentions may be good in thinking (even subconsciously) that all of the LGBTQ+ individuals in your organization will want to attend your event, be careful not to make that assumption. It is not the role of any marginalized individual to assist in the education of others, even if it is giving your event a “stamp of approval”.
This sentiment can easily drift into tokenism, where organizations or employers make superficial efforts to include individuals from underrepresented groups. From an HR professional's perspective, tokenism can undermine genuine diversity and inclusion efforts and lead to a lack of trust and engagement among employees.
“You cannot get the full potential of people in your business if people have to hide who they are.”
- Allan Joyce, CEO of Qantas Airlines
Pride Activities for Every Workplace
Organizing Pride-themed events is an impactful way for workplaces to support and celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusion actively. Here are a number of great ideas for celebrating pride in your organization:
Panel discussions provide an opportunity for open and honest conversations, allowing employees to share experiences and perspectives, fostering empathy and promoting a more inclusive environment.
Workshops offer educational opportunities to learn about LGBTQ+ history, terminology, and allyship, equipping employees with knowledge and tools to be supportive allies.
Inviting guest speakers who are prominent figures in the LGBTQ+ community can provide inspiration, share personal stories, and serve as role models, which will further reinforce the workplace's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Displaying Pride flags at your work creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that celebrates diversity. These flags bring a vibrant and festive ambiance during Pride Month.
Visual displays and decorations can convey Pride-themed messages and can help LGBTQ+ employees feel seen, validated and proud of their identities. In addition, it is also signaling clients, visitors and colleagues that the organization is committed to creating an inclusive space.
Pride Trivia: Trivia nights are packed with thrills and excellent bonding opportunities. Design your own game format or copy one like Jeopardy and create a set of questions relevant to Pride. This activity serves to educate employees and spark reflection while celebrating the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.
Pride Potluck: Whether your workplace is big or small, organizing a potluck lunch commemorating Pride is a great way to celebrate and honor your LGBTQ+ colleagues. This can be done by making a list of foods that staff can bring in and coordinating with employees to ensure there is diversity in the dishes. The planning that goes into potlucks encourages employees to collaborate and interact with each other, which will increase their engagement and job satisfaction.
Pride Music: Music has the power to uplift spirits, reduce stress, and create a positive atmosphere. Playing pride music in the workplace creates an opportunity for employees to come together, show support for the LGBTQ+ community, engage in meaningful conversation, and foster a more inclusive and accepting work environment.
Pride Parade Participation: Encourage employees to join local Pride parades in the USA and Canada as representatives of the company. Provide branded merchandise, such as t-shirts or banners, to show solidarity and support.
LGBTQ+ Film Screening: Organize a film screening featuring LGBTQ+ movies or documentaries followed by a discussion. This can be a great way to raise awareness, educate, and generate meaningful conversations.
Pride Social Events: Organize social events, such as Pride happy hours, or lunches where employees can come together, celebrate Pride, and build stronger connections with their LGBTQ+ colleagues.
Employee Resource Group (ERG) Support: Recognize and support LGBTQ+ employee resource groups within the company. Provide resources, funding, and leadership support to foster their initiatives and activities. LGBTQ+ affinity groups or employee resource networks provide employees with a dedicated platform for regular meetings, social events, and educational workshops. Through these activities, these groups foster a strong sense of community, allowing LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
Pride Charity or Fundraising: Organize fundraising activities or donation drives to support LGBTQ+ charities, nonprofits, or local LGBTQ+ community organizations.
Sharing personal stories and experiences through employee spotlights or blog posts: Employee spotlights or blog posts can feature LGBTQ+ employees, allowing them to share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. A few blog posts we would recommend include:
Volunteering or fundraising for LGBTQ+ organizations during Pride Month: This can involve volunteering at LGBTQ+ community centers, participating in Pride parades or events, or organizing fundraising campaigns for LGBTQ+ charities. By actively supporting and engaging in these activities, employees not only contribute to the betterment of the LGBTQ+ community but also feel a sense of pride and fulfillment in representing their organization's values.
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”
– Dalai Lama
How to Celebrate Pride in Schools, Colleges, Universities and Educational Institutions
Create Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Students and staff
For Students:
Establishing platforms such as inclusive and accepting clubs provide dedicated spaces for LGBTQ+ students and their allies to connect, share experiences, and seek support. These groups also serve as avenues for organizing awareness and campaigns throughout the school and community.
Implementing zero-tolerance policies for discrimination and bullying.
Offering resources and guidance for LGBTQ+ students and their families.
Provide comprehensive training for staff and educators to foster inclusive classrooms.
Incorporating inclusive language and practices in the workplace.
How to Celebrate Pride at Hospitals, Health Centers and Healthcare Facilities
According to a survey in the Center for American Progress, out of fear of facing discrimination, 6.7 percent of LGBTQ individuals revealed that they refrained from visiting medical facilities within the past year. To help create a safer and more welcoming environment, here are some Pride activities that could benefit the healthcare sector.
Providing LGBTQ+ sensitivity training for healthcare professionals: Providing LGBTQ+ sensitivity training for healthcare professionals is a crucial step in ensuring inclusive and affirming care. This training equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to address the unique healthcare needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Hosting LGBTQ+ health fairs or workshops: Health fairs can feature informational booths covering a range of topics, such as LGBTQ+ healthcare services, mental health support, HIV/AIDS prevention, and transgender healthcare. Workshops can delve into subjects like LGBTQ+ inclusive care, sexual health, and mental health awareness. With these events, healthcare institutions demonstrate their commitment to consider the challenges and concerns faced by LGBTQ+ individuals while fostering a welcoming environment for all patients.
Establishing support groups for LGBTQ+ patients and staff: LGBTQ+ individuals often face unique challenges and may benefit from connecting with others who share similar experiences. Support groups provide a safe space for patients to share their concerns, seek advice, and receive support from peers who understand their journey. Similarly, support groups for LGBTQ+ staff can offer a supportive network, facilitating a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation or discrimination.
How to Celebrate Pride at Government Offices and Public Institutions
Implementing LGBTQ+-inclusive policies in government operations: Policies should address topics such as non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and diversity training that specifically includes LGBTQ+ individuals. By establishing and enforcing such policies, government offices and public institutions create a safe environment for LGBTQ+ employees and the communities they serve.
Showcasing LGBTQ+ achievements through internal communications or public displays: Highlighting the contributions and successes of LGBTQ+ individuals can include featuring LGBTQ+ employees in newsletters, showcasing their achievements on bulletin boards or digital displays, and sharing their stories through internal communications such as emails and team meetings.
