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On June 1st, multi-colored flags start appearing in storefronts. Kitschy sayings pop up on t-shirts in big box retailers. Corporate logos change to eye-catching rainbow stripes on LinkedIn and in email signatures. These are all tell-tale signs that it’s time to celebrate Pride!
Don’t get me wrong, I have my own collection of pride shirts, flags, and glitter gathered over the years. I also eagerly await the Target Pride Collection each year (they always have some doozies). I love and appreciate the outward display of being unapologetically yourself. It also reminds us how far society has come in accepting those who identify as LGBTQ+.
While this outward acceptance of Pride Month is a positive step, as business leaders, we must ensure we support and amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community beyond just “Rainbow Washing.”
As Pride Month concludes this week, here are some tips on celebrating Pride and inclusion all year long:
Inclusivity Training: At Solving IT, our recruiters attend inclusivity training to learn how to attract and retain underrepresented populations for client roles. We also share monthly DEI tips company-wide, providing a forum for open discussions on potentially uncomfortable topics and allowing team members to share their firsthand experiences.
Volunteer or Donate: There are many excellent ways to give back to the LGBTQ+ community. Personally, as someone who has struggled with mental health, I support organizations focused on the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth, such as The Trevor Project.
Employee Support and Benefits: Solving IT has always provided benefits coverage to domestic partners and our employees enjoy unlimited PTO. Additionally, our health benefits cover gender reassignment surgery.
As the rainbow flags of June morph into the American flags for the 4th of July, remember that our differences deserve to be celebrated and respected every month.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
