PRIDE month is one of my favorite months of the year. I love the celebrations, the dance parties, the speakers, the connections and the shared love and acceptance within the community. So, I’m a little surprised by how much I struggled writing this blog. The truth is there’s a lot going on in the world right now that doesn’t feel celebratory. And it’s hard to process it all.
But here’s what I do know. I AM proud. I’m a proud ally of the LGBTQ community. I’m proud to be one of the executive sponsors of Dell’s PRIDE employee resource group and I’m proud of the work we continue to do together. I’m proud of my friends, family and fellow team members who stand up every single day for equality and human rights.
PRIDE started as a protest, a riot, in 1969. It was a moment in time when LGBTQ citizens in New York City said enough… they stood, not just for their rights, but for those who would follow. They spoke for themselves and those afraid to speak. They protested with PRIDE and were allies for themselves when no one else was. The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the US and around the world.
Today the fight continues. Whether it’s gay rights, marriage equality, or healthcare and acceptance for trans kids, LGBTQ and allies stand together. And that’s worth celebrating!
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ community, your perseverance and tenacity to be heard, be understood and create change is inspiring. Your courage to speak your truth has changed the world. You have shared your stories with me in such relatable ways that we’ve revisited company policies and created measurable change together. And we’re not alone. Companies worldwide are leaning in and standing up for equality, diversity and real inclusion. Our collective voices can help others take notice and then take action. These are reasons to celebrate!
If you’re an LGBTQ ally, you stand side by side with the community to add your voice, strength and understanding. This is critical and immeasurable. We speak on behalf of our coworkers, friends and family when they’re not there to speak for themselves. And when they’re tired or hoarse, we step in and keep the drumbeat going. We share stories and examples to help others understand the advantages and benefits of a society and world that works for all. These are reasons to celebrate!
New allies join our ranks every day. People committed to listening, learning and taking direction from those who live the experience. People who realize allyship is a verb, built on trust, consistency and accountability. People who aren’t afraid to say something when they see inequality and injustice. People who understand the importance of allyship. And that’s worth celebrating!
No one knows how this chapter will play out. But we do know we’ll stand together and fight for a better, just and equal world. Take some time this month to participate in PRIDE– whether it’s a parade, a speaker series, dance parties or engaging for the first time as an ally. We’ve come so far and it’s important to celebrate – now more than ever.
Join Out & Equal CEO Erin Uritus, Dell Technologies Chief Marketing Officer Allison Dew and Dell Technologies Senior Vice President of Sales Erik Day for a LinkedIn Live discussion titled, “PRIDE: The Importance of Allyship” – Wednesday, June 15 at 11 a.m. CT.
