June is Pride month, a time of year when we celebrate the impact that LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and queer) individuals have had on history.
This is a time to recognize the contributions of your LGBTQIA+ peers, learn a little bit more about LGBTQIA+ history, celebrate diversity, and consider the ways that you can contribute to creating a more inclusive society.
1. Attend a Pride parade or event
From Singapore to Toronto, and everywhere in between, there are many popular festivals and parades to attend throughout the months of June and July.
To find pride events in your city, check out this useful guide: http://www.gaypridecalendar.com/world
2. Be an ally
When someone in your life tells you that they are LGBTQIA+, it can be difficult to know how to respond. Your initial reaction may be one of surprise, excitement, confusion, discomfort, or none of the above. Be honest in your response, but you should also recognize the importance of your response and the impact it may have.
3. Organize a t-shirt design contest
Encourage your employer to get involved by holding a t-shirt design contest. The winner of the contest will then have their design printed on shirts and handed out to employees throughout the month.
4. Volunteer or donate
Give back to the community through a volunteer initiative such as supporting a local LGBTQIA+ youth or community center or raising money for a charity/foundation such as the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. To find a great charity, try using Charity Navigator.
5. Become an advocate
If your company doesn’t already have a Pride Employee Network, then start one! The Thomson Reuters Pride at Work Employee Network was created to create a safe and inclusive workplace, while remaining aligned with our business objects, those of our customers and external partners and the wider LGBTQIA+ community. Local chapters of our Pride at Work network are run by employees all over the world.
6. Educate yourself
Do you know why we celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride month in June? Spend some time learning about the history of Pride, a movement precipitated by the Stonewall Riots in 1969 in New York.
7. Support LGBTQIA+ art and culture
The LGBTQIA+ art community is vibrant, influential and pervasive. Go see a LGBTQIA+-themed show or movie, visit an LGBTQIA+ art gallery, or buy an album from an LGBTQIA+ artist.
8. Consider your company’s LGBTQIA+ inclusivity
Does your company have a culture and resources that promote LGBTQIA+ inclusivity? Is there something you can do to make LGBTQIA+ coworkers feel more comfortable in your office? Is there a benefit that excludes LGBTQIA+ employees? Start a dialogue and make resources available to try to create a workplace where LGBTQIA+ employees will feel valued and accepted.
9. Thomson Reuters Foundation and Openly
The Thomson Reuters Foundation is doing some amazing work to tell impartial news about the LGBTQIA+ community and bring to life the stories of on the ground experience of those who are LGBTQIA+ through its Openly news site. Learn about Openly here.
10 Outspoken East 2022
As one of the world’s most ethical companies, Thomson Reuters considers this event an honor and ethical obligation to connect passionate advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights and representation with key power brokers and influencers from across professional services. Our program pivots upon actionable opportunities for engaged individuals to help effect meaningful change at a moment of great unrest for the LGBTQIA+ community.
This article featured first on Thomson Reuters Institute and was republished with full permission.
