During Pride Month, First Thought acknowledges the crucial role of the LGBTQ+ community in shaping our nation and society. We celebrate and stand in solidarity with their contributions and sacrifices. We celebrate this month in the spirit of improving acceptance, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce.
It is more important than ever to support LGBTQ+, women, and people of color more than ever due to recent attacks on their communities.
The path to equality is rarely smooth and easy, but in the end, being on the right side of history never fails to prove that love always wins over hate.
Although the movement has made significant progress since the 1960s, there will always be friction along the road to equality. This month, we join a global movement to celebrate the progress of the LGBTQ+ community.
Understanding Pride Month and its Historical Significance
We celebrate Pride Month every June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Inn Rebellion.
The Stonewall Inn, a New York bar popular with the gay community, was raided by police. The bar's patrons bravely resisted and catalyzed several days of protests and demonstrations.
The event was important for LGBTQ rights and led to a strong movement based on fairness and kindness.
In June 2000, former President Bill Clinton designated June as "National Lesbian and Gay Pride Month." Former President Obama changed the name of the month in 2009 to be more inclusive, naming it "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month".
This month-long celebration promotes visibility, acceptance, and education of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Before 1978, the LGBTQ+ community didn't have a symbol that they could attach to their cause. In the late 1970s, they sought a more inviting and warm hallmark to represent their movement and community.
The closest equivalent they had was an upside-down pink triangle used to identify gay prisoners in Nazi concentration camps. It was sewn onto their clothing. It meant they were targeted for extra punishment and cruelty by the guards.
In 1978, Harvey Milk presented the original Pride flag at San Francisco's Gay Freedom Day parade. The flag consisted of six colors of the rainbow, representing the inclusion and openness of the LGBTQ+ community.
Red = Life
Orange = Healing
Yellow = Sunshine
Green = Nature
Indigo = Harmony
Violet = Spirit
In 2019, Daniel Quasar redesigned the flag, adding the triangular colors of brown, black, white, pink, and blue.
Black & Brown = People of Color and those we have lost to the AIDS epidemic.
Pink, White, and Blue = The transgender community.
This is a time for people to come together and honor the achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals. We also advocate for equality and equity. This month-long celebration promotes visibility, acceptance, and education surrounding diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
In 2015, the US Supreme Court made a big decision for the LGBTQ+ community by allowing same-sex marriage. This was a historic moment for marriage equality.
“Sometimes, there are days like this. When that slow, steady effort is rewarded with justice and arrives like a thunderbolt. – In doing so, they (the United States Supreme Court) reaffirmed that all Americans are entitled to the equal protection of the law. That all people should be treated regardless of who they are or who they love,” – Former President Obama, 2015.
Obama made a special place for the LGBTQ+ community called the Stonewall National Monument before he left office in 2016. It's a 7.7-acre area around the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
Pride month is an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous progress made by the LGBTQ community. The LGBTQ community has made many legal advances, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in many countries. They have also seen increased representation in the media, politics, and business environment. Despite the obstacles they face, the LGBTQ community continues to inspire change.
By highlighting their successes, we honor their determination and strive to increase acceptance and understanding.
The Role of Employers and Promoting LGBTQ+ Visibility in the Workforce
At First Thought, we understand the importance of leadership, the ability to adapt, and accountability. In addition, we understand the importance of inclusion in the workplace. We commit ourselves to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We strive to amplify their voices and raise awareness. By creating inclusive and engaging content, we strive to create an environment where all people feel represented and valued.
Here are some things employers can do to increase visibility and engagement:
Make the work environment inclusive and accepting
Train all employees on diversity and inclusion. Teaching LGBTQ people and informing others about their differences can stop stereotypes and encourage acceptance. Culture Pop is a popular and powerful resource for personalized learning on all kinds of topics.
Make policies that are inclusive of all genders
Check and change dress codes, restrooms, and other spaces to be considerate of everyone's gender identity. Consider creating gender-neutral restrooms to provide a comfortable and inclusive environment for all employees.
Evaluate Your DEI/Anti-Discrimination Practices
Part of the responsibility is that employers foster a positive environment for all people. Practices such as updating/correcting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression create a welcoming space.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ events and organizations
Honor Pride Month, Transgender Day of Visibility, and National Coming Out Day. You can do this through internal communications, social media campaigns, or organizing awareness and acceptance events.
Seek regular feedback
Conduct surveys, focus groups, or anonymous feedback mechanisms to understand the experiences and needs of LGBTQ employees. Act on this feedback to improve and create a more inclusive workplace. To support LGBTQ+ people, we need a workplace that is welcoming and accepting of everyone. This means promoting inclusion and visibility.
By implementing inclusive policies, providing training, and supporting employee resources, employers can help create a more welcoming and supportive environment.
Uplifting LGBTQ+ and Queer Owned Businesses
First Thought provides digital marketing and web design to small businesses to a ranging variety of people across the country. Our job as designers is to give clients great designs that everyone can enjoy. We are also responsible for helping shape the narrative around cultural and societal issues that face our world.
We can help BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities by encouraging and empowering their voices. Simple actions like sharing their social media content and referring them help their brand grow beyond their immediate circle.
We work with businesses owned by LGBTQ+ individuals or those closely connected to the community. Like Social Haus in Greenville, South Carolina, a queer-owned business that focuses on social media, email marketing, branding, and consulting.
Emily is an incredibly warm and welcoming person with an impeccable sense of style. She aims to help anyone looking to grow their brand via social media efforts.
Final Thoughts & Acknowledgements
At First Thought, we understand the significance of inclusive design in the digital landscape. We create digital experiences which are open to everyone. This helps to create a more inclusive online world. People from all backgrounds can join and interact with each other.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate and honor the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community while striving for equality and inclusion. We proudly stand with the LGBTQ+ community and are committing ourselves to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.
We have a responsibility to spread love and joy through our work as designers. We want to show our communities what it means to be proud and to celebrate life. Let's create a world together where everyone thrives and comes to celebrate who they are.
Because in the end, all we have is love.
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This article is dedicated to the people of the LGBTQ+ community and their continued resilience through the ever-changing social landscape of this country.
Most importantly, I would like to thank my fiancé and soon-to-be wife who embraces her sexuality and and embodies acceptance on a daily basis. Her work and spirit can inspire us all to become better people. Never stop being who you are, Ms. Lillian.
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Credits:
The History Channel – Stonewall Riots
The Obama White House – The President Speaks on the Supreme Court’s Decision on Marriage Equality
Library of Congress - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month
Daniel Quasar - The Progress Pride Flag
Kaitlin Swift - History of the Rights of the Queer Community in America
