Members of PAVE (Pride at Veritas Empowered) Celebrate Pride Month by sharing ways everyone can support the LGBTQIA+ community

June is Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and acknowledging the ongoing struggle for equal rights. Supporting this community isn’t confined to a single month; it requires year-round commitment and action. Members of PAVE (Pride at Veritas Empowered) shared ways how everyone can support the LGBTQIA+ community.

1. Be a Brave Ally

Sometimes the most important thing you can do is stand up for your LGBTQIA+ friends, family, and colleagues. If you see or hear something discriminatory, speak up. Your voice can make a real difference.

 “The LGBTQIA+ community needs brave allies. As someone who’s had friends stand up to discrimination on my behalf, I know how comforting and empowering it feels to have loved ones reinforce your value.”-Nathan Witte, Senior Renewals Account Manager

 “Be brave and speak up. Defend your LGBTQIA+ friends against discrimination by condemning harmful words and actions.”-Andrea Arnold, Senior Renewals Account Manager

2. Hold Yourself Accountable

We all have unconscious biases. Be willing to learn and grow. Educate yourself about LGBTQIA+ issues and terminology. There are many resources available online and in libraries. Once you’re more aware of your own biases, you can start to challenge them.

“Be accountable and supportive. Confront your own prejudices and bias, even if it’s uncomfortable.”-Ivette Reyes, Release Readiness and Supportability Manager

3. Embrace Love

Love is what brings us all together. Let your LGBTQIA+ friends, family, and colleagues know you care about them. Show your support through your actions, not just your words.

“Above all, LOVE is required to support the LGBTQIA+ community. It allows us all to stand in solidarity and respect for all. Love provides a blessed community & the ability to flourish and endure.”-Ryan Wheat, Field Account Executive

4. Show Up and Participate

There are many ways to get involved with the LGBTQIA+ community. Small acts of support can make a big difference.

“Show up. Celebrate at a pride parade. Donate time or supplies to an LGBTQIA+ nonprofit. Shop at a LGBTQIA+ owned business. Be there in any way you can – not only in June, but all year round.”-Dale Smith, VP of Global Customer Success and PAVE Executive Sponsor

5. Promote Inclusivity

Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. Make an effort to include people from all walks of life in your social circles. Invite your LGBTQIA+ friends and colleagues to social events, and challenge heteronormative assumptions in your everyday interactions.

“Inclusivity is key. It can be easy to subconsciously bucket friend groups. Bring everyone together!”-Reinaldo Baquero, Senior Renewals Account Manager

6. Educate Yourself

The more you know, the better. There are many resources available to help you learn more about LGBTQIA+ issues. Read books and articles written by LGBTQIA+ authors, watch documentaries about the LGBTQIA+ experience, and listen to podcasts with LGBTQIA+ hosts. The more you learn, the better equipped you will be to support the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Allyship begins with educating yourself on LGBTQIA+ related issues. To create a safe and supportive environment, it's important to establish acceptance. Taking action involves advocating for equal rights and defending the community. Lastly, being a good listener, remaining humble, and being open to correction and learning.”-Jivesh Govil, Senior Director of Sales Operations, shares

Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community is a continuous journey. It requires dedication, compassion, and proactive efforts. By taking these insights and actions to hear, you can contribute to a more inclusive, respectful, and loving world for everyone.

Happy Pride Month! Let’s celebrate diversity and promote equality not just in June, but every day.