It’s June, and many know it’s also Pride Month, a time dedicated to honoring the history, achievements, and continued fight for equality of the LGBTQIA+ community. At Ogury, we believe that the strength of our team lies in our diversity and the unique perspective each member brings. To kick off Pride Month, we’re spotlighting the thoughts and experiences of our employees, who have graciously shared what Pride means to them.
David, Sales Director
Pride – it’s so much more than parades, flags, day drinking, and bursts of rainbow hues. It’s a celebration of the queer community's strength, resilience, and vibrant individuality. But let’s be clear: Pride isn’t about othering; it’s about recognizing the rich tapestry of human experience. It’s a time when the world should pause to honor the hardships, the injustices, and the victories of queer individuals. For allies, this is your moment to shine and prove that actions truly do speak louder than words. Respect isn’t just an acknowledgment of the past; it’s a commitment to fight for a more just and inclusive future.
In the words of James Baldwin, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” As Pride commences, let’s face the realities of inequality and discrimination head-on. To anyone still reading… This June, I challenge you to honor the queer community with the respect, action, and unwavering support they deserve. I challenge you to celebrate their contributions, acknowledge their struggles.
Udara, Director, Research & Insights, APAC
I celebrate Pride by using it as an opportunity to educate my son about its importance and the values it represents. We participate in local Pride events together, which provide a vibrant and inclusive environment for him to learn about diversity and acceptance firsthand. I explain the history of the LGBTQIA+ movement and the significance of the Pride flag, helping him understand the struggles and achievements of the community.
Companies can support the LGBTQIA+ community year-round by implementing inclusive policies and practices that ensure equal opportunities and treatment for all employees. This includes providing diversity training, creating employee resource groups, and ensuring that benefits are equitable for LGBTQIA+ employees and their families. Companies should also engage in continuous advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights, support community organizations, and participate in events beyond Pride month. By embedding inclusivity into their core values and daily operations, companies can create a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone, all year long.
Mia, VP AdOps Americas
For me, Pride is unapologetically showing up as myself. It’s having a content sense of attachment to who I am. It’s about feeling visible. It’s celebrating the past that led us here and the future of intersectional equity we continue to fight for.
Even as I’m now living in Denver, I still make it back to Brooklyn for their Pride celebration every year. Brooklyn is where I spent my most formative coming out years, where I met my community, where I met my wife. Brooklyn Pride is a beautiful party that celebrates our diverse and inclusive LGBTQ+ community. It commemorates years of struggle by countless people who got us to where we are today while addressing (with action and opportunity) that we still have a long ways to go.
Salvatore, AdOps Manager
For me, Pride is a celebration of embracing who we really are, in spite of what some people insist is wrong and try to change about us. I like to consider every day that I get to live authentically as a celebration of pride, especially in these increasingly polar times. When it comes to companies recognizing and celebrating Pride, I think it’s important, as the LGBTQIA+ community has always been here, whether we were visible or not, and the workplace is no exception. It is a place where we spend 40+ hours of our time per week, so it's important we feel included and essential.
These personal reflections from our employees not only highlight the strides that have been made, but also reminds us of the work that still needs to be done to ensure inclusivity and acceptance for all. Stay tuned to see how Ogury is continuing to celebrate Pride through fundraising, global employee engagement, and local awareness.
