Pride, Perseverance, Power
Retrieved from pbs.twimg.com Marsha P. Johnson & Sylvia Rivera
During June, Pride Month, we encourage you to think with us more deeply about what the statement "Love is Love" really means...
Remembering Those Who Came Before Us
51 years ago, this June, the Stonewall Riots took place. They were a six-day protest that was essential to inspiring the Pride Movement and securing rights for LGBTQ+ people. These riots are the predecessors of the Pride parades and celebrations that now take place all over the world. The most powerful faces of these riots and the fledgling Pride movement were Marsha P. Johnson; a Black trans woman, and Sylvia Rivera; a Latinx trans woman. When we think of Pride month, we must always remember the LGBTQ+ people of color who persisted through oppression and violence. As we attend Pride parades, echo “Love is Love,” or see LGBTQ+ representation in modern media, remember Marsha, Sylvia, and the LGBTQ+ people of color who made it happen.
Our Community
One of our company's offices is located in the wonderful community of Northampton, MA. That city is one that not only embraces LGBTQ+ culture but fosters its growth. Northampton is home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. A viral newspaper article in the 1990s coined Northampton as “Lesbianville,” causing many lesbians to move there. It became a signal of hope for members of the lesbian community, a place that offered security. Over 20 years later, the city still hosts a yearly Pride parade in celebration of our LGBTQ+ loved ones. In lieu of current events, this year’s celebration was hosted over Facebook Live featuring videos from local businesses and community members. Nothing can stop Pride!
A photo of a clip from an article in the Daily Hampshire Gazette on April 14, 1992, featuring a photograph from the National Enquirer. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS
Being an Ally
It is important that we let our actions lead us when talking about standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Being a good ally is more than acknowledging Pride month. It is about celebrating with them and showing up for the community (and amplifying their voices) at rallies and parades. It is about speaking out against prejudice even when they aren’t beside you. It is about standing up against all the injustices faced by LGBTQ+ people all over the world.
For our LGBTQ+ allies, we plan to take action in supporting LGBTQ+ rights, use our privilege to speak up against injustice, and uplift LGBTQ+ voices through direct action, donations, and education and we hope you will join us.
To our LGBTQ+ family, we wish you safe and joyful celebrations during this Pride month.
There is power in your perseverance and there is power in your courage.
Thank you for being you!
Share the Love
The heart of Pride month is love, so there is no better time to share it. Here is a list of organizations that are doing amazing work for the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage you to give them your support in any way you can.
AVP: empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.
Familia TQLM: Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement (Familia:TQLM) works at the local and national levels to achieve the collective liberation of trans, queer, and gender nonconforming Latinxs through building community, organizing, advocacy, and education.
The Okra Project: a collective that seeks to address the global crisis faced by Black Trans people by bringing home cooked, healthy, and culturally specific meals and resources to Black Trans People wherever we can reach them.