10 LGBTQIA+ Authors and Creators You Should Know About
Although there's still a lot of work to be done around LGBTQIA+ representation and belonging, both in and outside of the workplace, there are lots of things to be celebrated — like the countless creative individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community that are promoting representation through creative and inclusive content like books, TV shows, music, and more!.
So, in honor of Pride Month, we want to highlight some of our favorite LGBTQIA+ creators. Keep reading for 10 LGBTQIA+ authors and creators we think you should know about!
Mx. Lex Horwitz — educator, activist, and model
Lex Pe'er Horwitz (they/them) is a queer, non-binary transgender Jewish nationally recognized LGBTQIA+ Educator, Activist, Consultant, Public Speaker, and Model based out of Philadelphia and New York City. Lex received their B.A. in Psychology and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies from Bowdoin College, where they competed on the Varsity Men’s squash team and became the first out transgender athlete in all of collegiate squash, and the first out transgender athlete to compete at Bowdoin.
Their work focuses on educating people of all ages and backgrounds on LGBTQ+ identities, topics, and issues through a multitude of pathways—facilitations and workshops, lectures and public speaking, one-on-one support, and consultation services to name a few.
Currently, Lex is a research co-investigator, consultant, and writer in Gender Affirming Health Care at Temple University and Temple Health. Additionally, Lex works with higher education institutions, nonprofits and businesses creating LGBTQIA+ curriculum and training, developing inclusive policy, producing educational resources, and providing feedback and action steps to address areas of growth (and for Lex’s business partners, they create marketing and campaign development plans). And Lex's activism does not stop there—they bring their passion to the modeling world where they work for inclusive and expansive representation on and off the runway.The Vixen — performer and activist
The Vixen is a multi-talented performer dedicated to making the world a better place. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, her art has always been intertwined with social justice and activism. An accomplished drag queen, songwriter, fashion designer, and dancer, she credits her creative family for her love of the arts.
As a student at Columbia College in Chicago, Vixen learned the makeup skills it took to create her growing drag persona. After turning 21, her athletic performance style quickly gained her attention in the Chicago drag scene. Through hard work and dedication The Vixen has become an influential member of Chicago's gay community interviewed by many publications for her unique style and outspoken viewpoint.
As a rapper, her bold lyrics and intricate delivery has earned her national attention for her show-stopping collaborations. Her proudest achievement is creating BlackGirlMagic, a drag concert, where queens of color can celebrate their unique experiences through storytelling and performance. The Vixen lives by her grandmothers belief that helping others makes life worthwhile.
Umi Hsu — strategic designer and public humanist
Umi Hsu (they/them) is the Director of Content Strategy at ONE Archives Foundation.
Umi is a public humanist and strategic designer with research and organizing agendas for equity in arts, technology, and civic life. Prior to joining the ONE Archives Foundation, Umi served as the Digital Strategist of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, where they directed digital and data programs including a virtual tour and a digital archive of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, and Promise Zone Arts cultural asset mapping initiative.
With a PhD in Critical and Comparative Studies in Music from the University of Virginia, Umi is a sound ethnographer and artist whose practice is driven by inquiries about sound and migratory communities. Umi is also an adjunct faculty member at ArtCenter College of Design’s Media Design Practices MFA program and University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, and has published extensively on digital media, data, and Internet culture.
Umi has received fellowships and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, American Council for Learned Society, Shuttleworth Foundation, and LA Metro and has works presented by the Rubin Museum, Japanese American National Museum, CTM Festival in Berlin, and Tuesday Night Cafe. In their spare time, Umi writes songs about the melancholic queer postcolony in their band Bitter Party.
Umi participated in our Diverstiy Reboot Series last year and gave a talk entitled: Telling and Preserving LGBTQIA+ Stories with the ONE Archive Foundation's Umi Hsu. Click the link below to rewatch the talk.
Ann Mei Chang — author and social innovation leader
Author of Lean Impact, “Ann Mei Chang (she/her) is a leading expert on social innovation who brings together unique insights from her extensive work across the tech industry, nonprofits, and the US government. As Chief Innovation Officer at USAID, Ann Mei served as the first Executive Director of the US Global Development Lab, engaging the best practices for innovation from Silicon Valley to accelerate the impact and scale of solutions to the world’s most intractable challenges. She was previously the Chief Innovation Officer at Mercy Corps and served the US Department of State as Senior Advisor for Women and Technology in the Secretary's Office of Global Women’s Issues.
Ann Mei earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Stanford University and is a member of the Aspen Institute’s Henry Crown Fellows’ class of 2011. She has been recognized as one of the “Women In the World: 125 Women of Impact” by Newsweek/The Daily Beast in 2013, "23 most powerful LGBTQ+ people in tech" by Business Insider in 2019, and "20 Top LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs, Executives and Thought Leaders" by Global Shakers in 2019. She is a keynote speaker who has been featured at TEDx MidAtlantic, SxSW, Social Good Summit, SOCAP, and Lean Startup Week, as well as numerous nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies.
Ann Mei participated in our Diverstiy Reboot Series last year and gave a talk entitled: How to Innovate for Radically Greater Social Good. Click the link below to rewatch the talk.
Angelica Ross — educational speaker, creative director, and business person
Angelica Ross is the founder of TransTech Social Enterprises. Angelica's passion for education, building business, and community is at the heart of her work helping companies and individuals develop their brand identity. Angelica believes making brands aware of their impact on society and social causes empowers them to create change. Angelica Ross creates engaging Social Media Strategies, Educational Speaking Events & Workshops for LGBTQIA+ with a focus on the most marginalized communities. Specialties: Writing, Consulting, Public Speaking, Educational Workshops, Instruction/Teaching, Tutoring, Media Production, Creative Direction, Web Development, Music/Audio Production, Copywriting, photo re-touching, photo composites, and video editing.
Marti Allen-Cummings — activist and drag artist
Marti Allen-Cummings (they/them) is an activist, community board member, gig worker and drag artist running for city council in uptown manhattan. Marti has been working in NYC for 13 years after moving to the city at age 17 to pursue a performing arts career. They know what it’s like to make it in new york living paycheck to paycheck and without insurance. For over a decade, Marti has been deeply involved in the community - advocating for LGBTQIA+ Young people through the Ali Forney Center and aiding new yorkers experiencing homelessness.
Throughout the pandemic, Marti built upon that experience to plan PPE handouts, grocery deliveries, coat drives and mutual aid efforts. During the 2016 election Cycle, Marti started organizing and Their political activism energized the community and has brought people together who are seeking progressive change in the nation’s politics. Marti currently sits on community board 9 serving the people of Upper Manhattan, and IS an advisor on the NYC Nightlife Advisory Board.
Marti participated in our Diverstiy Reboot Series last year and gave a talk entitled: Drag Queen Dance Party. Click the link below to rewatch the talk.
Dezjorn Gauthier — model and philanthropist
Dezjorn started modeling at just 6 months old for top children’s brands around the nation and winning national titles. He began his physical transition (female-to-male) April 2014; shortly after he was featured in the well known Barneys New York campaign featuring 17 transgender models. With international coverage Dezjorn has been featured in many articles and celebrity shoots, including walking the all transgender runway cast for high fashion designer Marco Marco & International campaign with British Vogue. Dezjorn was featured in the award winning series America In Transition by Andre Perez, and was managed by the world’s first transgender-specific agency in New York. Additionally, Dezjorn was crowned Mr. Wisconsin; being the first title holder of color and of trans-masculine experience for Enchantment US Pageantry System and Mr. Black Trans Wisconsin 2019 – 2022 for BTIPS. Today, Dezjorn has sat on panels/presented for Fortune 500 companies and top Universities in the world.
Dezjorn started his own philanthropic business in 2014 providing programs and services to effectively bring awareness to the transgender community with a special focus on transmen of color through education empowerment and inspiration. Now, Dezjorn International LLC is compiled of subsidiaries, and committed to help clients reach their goals of branding, public relations and social media influence. In 2018 Dezjorn and his wife officially opened their nonprofit The Dezjorn International Foundation Inc: which offers an annual transgender surgery fund, academic scholarships, athletics, and mentoring. Dezjorn also is the Director of Youth Engagement for the Gendercool Project and was Vice President of Point of Pride. Back in Milwaukee Dezjorn recently retired from teaching a high school level law course allowing students to learn more about the justice system, United States constitution and understanding policies. As well as is a licensed foster parent with Froedtert Children’s Hospital and father of 5 beautiful daughters.
Dezjorn participated in our Diverstiy Reboot Series last year and gave a talk entitled: Forging Families That Work For Us. Click the link below to rewatch the talk.
Ada Westfall — writer, composer, and performer
Ada Westfall (she/her) is a writer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, performer, and proud transgender woman whose mission is to disrupt, interrogate, and diversify the canon, trends, and methodology in the field of music as it intersects all types of performance and the collaborative arts at large. She is experienced at taking on a number of roles often simultaneously (composer, music director, lead actor, onstage musician, et al.) on a wide variety of productions – everything from large-scale commercial spectacle to research-based experimental performance.
She has worked as a guest teaching artist at educational institutions such as NYU, NYU Abu Dhabi, Princeton University, University of the Arts, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Mark Morris Dance Center, and Tamagawa University, and she has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Prague Fringe Festival, MESS Festival, the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theater, across the United States, and the globe: Japan, The United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Egypt, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Poland, The Czech Republic, Chile, Italy, Mexico, and the UK.
During her 15+ years calling New York City home, she has become an Associate Artist with two Brooklyn-based theater companies: Theater Mitu (since 2006) and The Civilians (since 2016) and has performed at fundraisers, galas, and awards shows for The Public Theater, American Conservatory Theater, The MacDowell Colony, NYCLU, The Lilly Awards, Williamstown Theater Festival, The Civilians’ Michael Friedman Legacy Fund, Forum for Cultural Engagement, Fresh Ground Pepper, and The Richard Rogers School of the Arts and TechnologyDoctorJonPaul H — writer, speaker, and social justice educator
Dr. Higgins (they/them) is a writer, speaker, and social justice educator who focuses on issues related to gender, race, and media. Named Business Equality Magazine’s “Top 40 LGBTQ Under 40”, they have written for numerous media outlets including Ebony, Paper Magazine, Complex Magazine, Out, Them, Essence, The Root, Blavity, MTV News, and more. They have also been featured on sites like NBC News, Buzzfeed, Vox, and Attn:.
Raised in San Bernardino, CA, Dr. Higgins is committed to using their voice to highlight and bring focus to the issues that affect both Black and LGBTQ communities at both a local and national level. As a graduate from California State University, San Bernardino with a Bachelors of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in Women’s Studies and a graduate from University of Redlands with both a Masters of Arts in Management and Doctorate in Educational Leadership, they aspire to be an example to those who seek to change the way we discuss the Black, queer experience.
In 2017, they gave their first TEDx talk on unlearning fear and reclaiming personal power, which has been viewed more than 4,000 times. They have since written over 100 articles about the Black, queer experience and published several chapters in books including, “The Other F Word: A Celebration of the Fat & Fierce” and “Queer People of Color in Higher Education.” Dr. Higgins has been in several writing fellowship cohorts including Lambda Literary, Maynard, Poynter and Hillman Grad where they began their journey as a television writer.
Onawa Calvin — yoga teacher and diversity recruiter
With an extensive 18 year background in Diversity, Accessibility, Inclusion within Onawa Calvin (she/her/they/them) entered the recruitment initially with staffing agencies and then Recruiting consultant to Manager of Talent, a People Alchemist.
As a certified yoga teacher and Diversity recruiter, Onawa evoked a passion for humans, solving gaps in talent for targeted recruitment campaigns, organizational development, fair and inclusive Candidate Experience and Onboarding, and Retention Programs.
Onawa more recently merged her belief that yoga has accessible depths of compassion and healing layers. Onawa Calvin, her/she/they/them identifies as a bipoc queer lesbian woman, of intersectionality layers and a forever young mom of two adulting children.
Onawa participated in our Diverstiy Reboot Series last year and gave a talk entitled: Connecting People to Their Purpose with Onawa Calvin, Yoga and Wellness Practitioner. Click the link below to rewatch the talk.
Want to hear more from LGBTQIA+ creators, educators, and activists? Join our Diversity Reboot Summit— Pride: Championing LGBTQIA+ Leaders and Allies!
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride in the Workplace — Virtual and In-Person Ideas
So much has changed in our workplaces over the past year, but the importance of DEIB hasn't. And neither has the importance of highlighting the value that each unique team member brings, no matter how they identify. June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month — a perfect opportunity to put this into practice and celebrate the identities and intersectionalities of your LGBTQIA+ team members and allies.
This year, with some of us returning to the office and others staying remote, Pride celebrations might look different for everyone. So we asked some of our partner companies to see what they're doing to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in their organizations. Keep reading for some ideas so that your remote, hybrid, and in-person teams can learn, uplift, and grow together while celebrating Pride Month 2022 — virtually and in person!
Clyde — launch an ERG
“Clyde just launched our newest ERG group, Pryde, to foster a welcoming culture and inclusive, safe environment for LGBTQIA+ employees, allies, and advocates. Pryde has been hitting the group running with the hopes of rolling out the following initiatives for the upcoming Pride month:
Highlighting internal benefits available such as mental health resources, 3-month paid parental / caregiver leave, and coverages accessible for transgender individuals.
Rolling our Understanding through Inclusion Series that focuses on weekly themes such as celebration, global perspectives, allyship, etc.
Launching a Pride Month Calendar filled with fun facts, resources, and upcoming internal events such as a Chicago / NYC event to benefit local LGBTQIA+ organizations.
Pryde is excited to support, foster, and further celebrate our culture that surrounds the LGBTQIA+ identities at Clyde.”
Learn more about Clyde here.
CDW — amplify employee voices on social media
"Pride Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions the LGBTQ+ community has made throughout the world and within our organization. Our Business Resource Alliance Valuing Equality (BRAVE) Business Resource Group is planning multiple events with the theme ‘Family Matters’ including a coworker panel discussion, a keynote speaker event featuring LGBTQ+ rights activists and a networking social event. Additionally, we will be amplifying coworker voices internally through an email campaign and externally on @CDWCareers social media."
Learn more about CDW here.
Samsara — volunteer with a local charity
"This Pride Month, Samsara's Pride ERG and People team recognize the unique paths that have brought us together, the differences that make our strengths, and that we can accomplish anything through unity. Samsara will host a Q&A for the Pride ERG and allies to explore themes around trauma, belonging, and the human condition. We are partnering with Habitat for Humanity Bay Area—volunteering over several days in June. And lastly, we will have Pride celebration events, fun swag, trivia, and remembrances to celebrate and honor the history that has brought us here today."
Learn more about Samsara here.
Riot Games — showcase LGBTQIA+-themed content
"All of Riot’s games will be celebrating Pride with unique in-game content. We want all players to feel their identities are represented. No matter where you live, who you are, or who you love, we want to make sure you can see yourselves while you play.
Our offices around the world will also be celebrating Pride in their own ways. For example, Rioters at our main campus in Los Angeles will be participating in the West Hollywood Pride Parade and Rioters in Brazil will be putting on a series of tournaments featuring players from LGBTQIA+ communities."
Learn more about Riot Games here.
UKG — join a local Pride parade
"At UKG, our Pride theme in 2022 is “Authentically U.” Authentically U empowers you to live and celebrate your life authentically, whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, or an ally. The employee resource group PRIDE at UKG strives to create and foster inclusivity amongst our employees (also known as U Krewers) and will support special programming and events throughout June — such as local parades, webinars, and articles spotlighting U Krewers. We celebrate Pride all year, so follow Life at UKG on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram for photos and stories."
Learn more about UKG here.
AlertMedia — host an in-office Pride celebration
"AlertMedia is excited to sponsor with Austin Pride this year and participate in the annual parade and festival. We will also be hosting a Pride event in-office so that our employees can celebrate National Pride Day together. This event will include food and goodies from local LGBTQ+ owned businesses.
In addition, our team has created Pride-themed Zoom backgrounds as well as t-shirts for those who want to show Pride all year-long. Lastly, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with our non-profit partner, Out in Tech, as well as kick-off one of our first Employee Resource Groups, LGBTQ+, in June!"
Learn more about AlertMedia here.
Teachers Pay Teachers — screen some LGBTQIA+ films
"TpT is excited to celebrate Pride Month with the help of Flora, our employee resource group for LGBTQ+ employees & allies! This year, Flora has several activities planned, including virtual Drag Bingo with Marti Gould Cummings, an in-person Happy Hour, astrology readings, and screenings of LGBTQ+ films. Flora will also co-sponsor a company-wide discussion on Florida's Parental Rights in Education bill.
Throughout Pride Month, TpT will also be highlighting and celebrating members of our Teacher-Author community who identify as LGBTQ+."
Learn more about Teachers Pay Teachers here.
Workiva — advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights by donating to local organizations
"To celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, Workiva is proud to participate in two local Pride parades in cities where our employees live and work. Employees in these locations – Denver and Amsterdam – also plan to support the cause by joining the parades and representing Workiva. Our Rainbow Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) will be sharing more about activities and ways to support the community on our company-wide intranet throughout the month. And we’ll also work to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and amplify the voices of the community by sharing opportunities for employees to give back – both financially and through volunteerism to charities."
Learn more about Workiva here.
BlackRock — run workshops to amplify Pride beyond the workplace
"This year, BlackRock is celebrating Pride Month throughout June under the theme, "Standing with Our Pride." Our employee network, Out & Allies, will host events, run workshops and fundraise for LGBTQIA+-focused nonprofits to amplify pride beyond our walls. It is important that we foster a workplace that is safe and inclusive, allowing for expression and celebration."
Learn more about BlackRock here.
Elastic — host a hybrid drag bingo happy hour
"Here at Elastic, "As You Are" is one of our values, what we refer to as our Source Code. We also believe in giving back and supporting the communities where we live and work.
Driven by our Rainbow Stack ERG, this Pride season, we will be pairing volunteer opportunities with special celebrations to encourage EVERYONE to come "As You Are" and take tangible steps to support our global LGBTQIA+ community. This year Elasticians will have access to volunteer opportunities in offices, donation opportunities, newly designed Pride stickers, and drag bingo happy hours locally (and virtually, all over the world)."
Learn more about Elastic here.
Thumbtack — host a virtual drag show
"Every year, Thumbtack's Proudtacks employee resource group leads our Pride celebration by creating company-wide events for our virtual-first employees! Our 2022 events include a virtual LGBTQ+ themed scavenger hunt and drag show, queer themed trivia, co-sponsored events with other Thumbtack employee resource groups and a happy hour. We also share a variety of queer themed facts throughout the month, such as the history of the Stonewall riots and Pride in the Philippines."
Learn more about Thumbtack here.
SeatGeek — amplify historically underrepresented queer figures
"QueerGeeks, SeatGeek's LGBTQ2SIA+ ERG, is organizing a few different Pride-focused events. We want to thoughtfully engage local and remote employees to make Pride an ongoing, educational, impactful, and celebratory experience. We're writing up content on historically underrepresented queer figures, inviting guest speakers to drop by company meetings, funding transportation to/from local volunteer events, and matching donations to the Trevor Project through our partnership with employee recognition app Bonusly. Thanks to our partners at NY Liberty and Portland Timbers, our members will also get to celebrate at some upcoming games."
Learn more about SeatGeek here.
SoftwareONE — create Pride-themed virtual meeting backgrounds and signature lines
"This Pride month –and throughout the year– SoftwareONE celebrates the contributions of the LGBTQ2IA+ community while acknowledging the unique struggles that many in the LGBTQ2IA+ community still face. We will continue our learning opportunities that focus on the perspectives of marginalized groups by hosting a 21-Day LGBTQ2IA+ equity challenge. Both internally and externally, SoftwareONE will highlight the contributions of our “SWOmies” and other trailblazers who belong to the LGBTQ2IA+ community. And, in a show of support and solidarity, we’ve created themed imagery, from virtual meeting backgrounds to signature lines, so we may all fly our Pride colors high."
Learn more about SoftwareONE here.
PagerDuty — host a live baking session with a Pride-themed trivia
"PagerDuty’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, RainbowDuty, holds Pride events yearly to educate, encourage community participation and create a sense of togetherness across our distributed team. This year, we will be sponsoring a mix of virtual events:
- A panel with participation from external speakers
- Partnering with our social impact team on donation matching campaigns for charities
- Fun breaks with a live baking session and Pride-themed trivia
- “Color-per-day” themed employee pictures during Pride Week, resulting in a rainbow collage featuring our team
- Distributing a 2022 Pride t-shirt for employees to wear proudly wherever they go!"
Learn more about PagerDuty here.
PwC — host a Pride Summit watch party
"Throughout June, PwC is building on its culture of belonging through #PwCPride. The Pride Summit is back and PwCers have the opportunity to join in-person at an office watch party or turn in virtually! They’ll find sessions featuring business leaders and celebrities who advocate and use their personal experiences to fight for LGBTQ+ equality during the summit. The PwC US National Shine Committee for the LGBTQ+ community and allies will also sponsor Pride Parades across the US and the firm's social media will highlight PwCers sharing what Pride Month means to them. Learn more about PwC here."
Learn more about PwC here.
Splunk — sponsor a LGBTQIA+-centered event
"Splunk’s Pride Employee Resource Group has special programming and activities around the theme of: “Chosen Family.”
We are excited this year to continue our intersectional celebrations throughout both June and July by sponsoring the inclusive drag festival of Oaklash, matching donations to LGBTQ+ organizations, offering educational workshops with Out & Equal, and speaking again at the Lesbians Who Tech Pride Summit.
Splunkers globally will also virtually come together for a zoom talk with Mercury Stardust the "Trans Handy Ma'am” trans activist and Tik Tok celebrity.
Join us as we build community and lift up our stories together!
#SplunkLife"
Learn more about Splunk here.
T. Rowe Price — educate your employees on fostering an inclusive environment
"This Pride Month, T. Rowe Price recognizes the valuable contributions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) individuals across the world, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice. We are demonstrating our commitment to creating and sustaining an inclusive environment in respect of sexual orientation, gender and trans identity through global programming to educate and engage our associates and strategic partnerships to drive social good."
Learn more about T. Rowe Price here.
Autodesk — host a trans-inclusion workshop
"In celebration of Pride month, Autodesk’s Pride Network will be hosting both global and local events focused on the theme of community. Events will include a trans-inclusion workshop, panel conversation in partnership with Autodesk Black Network, and celebration with drag celebrity, Willow Pill. In addition to these internal events, Autodesk is a proud sponsor of this year’s Lesbians Who Tech + Allies Global Pride Summit. Rita Giacalone, VP of Culture, Diversity, & Talent Development will present on Building a Culture of Inclusion in a Hybrid Workplace, and our Pride ERG will host a panel talk in our virtual booth."
Learn more about Autodesk here.
ServiceNow — enable employees to FULLY express themselves
"At ServiceNow, we are committed to enabling our employees to fully and authentically express themselves. We celebrate Pride month today and every day by focusing on cultural awareness about the LGBTQIA+ community, open dialogue about issues the community is facing, barriers to belonging, and inclusive policies. Pride at ServiceNow Belonging Group and external platforms provide a safe space for this dialogue, employee activations, and allyship promotion. See how ServiceNow creates a safe space for LGBTQIA+ employees to embrace and bring their most authentic self to work.
Explore career opportunities with ServiceNow today."
Learn more about ServiceNow here.
Nestlé USA — host a global webcast around supporting safe spaces
"Nestlé is excited to be sponsoring Pride Month activities in Washington, DC with Capital Pride Alliance and in Cleveland, Ohio, with Pride in the CLE! Employees and their families are invited to participate in our events in person for the first time since 2019, with parade groups organized for both locations by the Nestlé Pride Alliance! At Nestlé, Pride is a Global celebration too – a Global webcast is being held for all employees on Leading Together for LGBTQ+ Inclusion, where panelists will discuss how we’re making our workplace an inclusive supportive safe space for our LGBTQ+ Community. #YouAreIncluded #NestlésGotPride"
Learn more about Nestlé USA here.
Siemens — host a 21- day challenge
"Did you know it takes an average of 21 days to build a new habit by adjusting your focus and how you spend your time? For 21 days in June, the Siemens Pride Challenge will push participants to shift their perspective and examine what they can do to promote inclusion and create a culture of belonging. Employees will receive one email per day with short but impactful content (podcasts, videos, articles, etc.) to deepen their understanding of LGBTQIA+ topics. The Siemens Pride Employee Resource group will also host several learning webinars."
Learn more about Siemens here.
Northrop Grumman — provide professional development opportunities for LGBTQIA+ employees
"Happy Pride Month! At Northrop Grumman, our Pride in Diversity Alliance (PrIDA) Employee Resource Group (ERG) works to support the quality of life for LGBTQIA+ employees and dependents, fostering and inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Our PrIDA ERG augments and ties into local community support while also providing professional development and leadership opportunities for LGBTQIA+ employees. During Pride Month, local and virtual PrIDA chapters host many events such as social hours, seminars on inclusion and intersectionality, and professional networking / career growth workshops. Here is what some of our employees are saying":
“Diversity and inclusion are cultural cornerstones at NG and the array of talent, ideas, experiences and authenticity of our employees propels our success. We’re excited to celebrate PrIDA this month – and every day.” Wendy Williams, Vice President, Space Systems, Propulsion Systems Division
“I’ve worked a lot of places, but Northrop Grumman is different. The PrIDA ERG members and the leaders who support them actually care about people like me. I can have a career, be successful, and (most importantly) I get to be myself!” Taylor Swensen, Program Integrator, Aeronautics Systems, Air Dominance Division
Learn more about Northrup Grumman here.
Collins Aerospace — raise the Progress Flag in the office
"Collins Aerospace and our PRIDE Employee Resource Group are proud to sponsor efforts through June that support and celebrate our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and community.
- Raising the Progress Flag at many of our U.S. locations.
- Sponsorship of local Pride festivities in our communities – parades, walks, wine tastings and more!
- Educational programs for our employees through partners such as Out&Equal.
- Ally workshops and pledge signings.
And talk about PRIDE! Our parent company, Raytheon Technologies, has been named a 2022 Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign."
Learn more about Collins Aerospace here.
Moody's — promote articles and newsletters to boost awareness
"Moody's is committed to advancing the cause of LGBTQ+ inclusion. Moody’s Multicultural BRG promotes articles and newsletters that help create awareness and give us an inside into personal stories and testimonials with the purpose of advocating a work environment that respects, welcomes and supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-binary individuals. Also, Moody’s is hosting several events like “The T in LGBT” that will be focusing on Social issues, Workplace issues, and Trans* benefits and the “Pride Month and Juneteenth celebration event”."
Learn more about Moody's here.
Equinix — highlight LGBTQIA+ families' stories
"Equinix is committed to being a leading employer for the LGBTQ community and in support of that goal, our PrideConnect employee connection network offers programming for connection and learning. This year, team members have invited the Equinix community to join them in a conversation, “The Modern Family: all genders, sexualities, and identities welcome!” In this event, participants will hear personal stories from a LGBTQ parent and their LGBTQ child, learn how a global insurance company adopts DIB practices, and see how a law firm supports the LGBTQ community, particularly in countries that don’t recognize same sex marriage. We are proud of the great work of our EECNs like PrideConnect, this month and always."
Learn more about Equinix here.
15five — host an allyship book club
"For Pride Month, our LGBTQIA+ employee resource group is planning a fun virtual trivia event, a book club for those who want to learn more about becoming an LGBTQIA+ ally, and a presentation on the state of LGBTQIA+ rights in America in 2022."
Learn more about 15five here.
Spectrum — attend a Pride party event
"June is a month-long celebration of Spectrum’s LGBTQ community. The Spectrum LGBTQ Business Resource Group is hosting an array of activities to further support our commitment to being an organization that fosters LGBTQ acceptance and equality.
Some of the activities throughout June are our Out and Equal Webinar - Fostering LGBTQ & Allyship at Work, several spotlights on Spectrum LGBTQ members with the theme “Your Story, Your Truth, Your Power,” an internal inclusion talk, a discussion on Pride history, and the LGBT Tech Pride Party event in Brooklyn, NY that two Spectrum LGBTQ members will be invited to attend."
Learn more about Spectrum here.
Yelp — host a virtual concert featuring LGBQIA+ artists
"It’s no secret that parenting brings its own set of challenges. Intersectionality has shown us how these experiences can be amplified by the layered identities many of us possess. This Pride Month, we’re bringing together our Yelp parents and LGBTQ+ employee resource groups to shed light on the realities of parenting outside the heteronormative paradigm. We’re also hosting another Drag Queen Story Time with Per Sia, a Latinx, nonbinary drag queen and storyteller. And, of course, we can’t end the month without a celebratory virtual concert featuring LGBTQ+ artists."
Learn more about Yelp here.
Datadog — support and attend ERG-planned programming
"This June, Datadogs will celebrate Pride Month and honor the fight for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community! Our Rainbowdogs Community Guild has planned programming all month long, including leadership discussion panels, community events, and more.
Rainbowdogs’ mission is to provide a warm, supportive, and friendly community for Datadog employees who identify as trans, queer, lesbian, bisexual, aromantic, asexual, intersex, two-spirit, gay, or questioning+, as well as the allies that support them. Follow the #DatadogLife and stay tuned for information about our upcoming internal initiatives to celebrate Pride Month."
Learn more about Datadog here.
Expedia Group — tune into the Pride podcast
"Expedia Group’s Inclusion Business Group (IBG), Pride, will be among those celebrating Pride. Expedians will get the opportunity to Lip sync for pride, to tune into the pride podcast and to attend a panel focused on “stories of pride through action” where employees will transparently share their authentic, inspiring experiences."
Learn more about Expedia Group here.
Wolters Kluwer — foster a culture of belonging all year long
At Wolters Kluwer we encourage you to be your unique self, bring your ideas to life, learn, develop, and thrive. As a global company, having a diverse workforce is paramount to our success.
This year, to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, we are showcasing the diversity we enjoy within our global team, with our CHRO telling his own personal story as well as several other employees creating videos to share their experiences, pride and sense of belonging at working for Wolters Kluwer. We will be sharing these stories on our social channels and in our internal newsletters. We are also devoting space on our corporate homepage to recognize Pride Month.
In addition, we will be leveraging our partner, Limeade, to run a series of fun and engaging activities and challenges to celebrate Pride Month.
Learn more about Wolters Kluwer here.
Healthfirst — invite a guest speaker to share their story
"As New York City’s largest hospital-sponsored insurance plan, Healthfirst is no stranger to diversity. Celebrated every June, PRIDE, serves as an opportunity to celebrate love and embrace our differences as we seek a better future for all. For the first time in Healthfirst’s history, the True Colors PRIDE Alliance ERG will be at the forefront while taking fellow Trailblazers on a journey of PRIDE throughout the years. In addition to the various internal events that we’re planning, we will have guest speakers from organizations such as The Dru Project and Stonewall Speakers. Join us as we celebrate PRIDE!"
Learn more about Healthfirst here.
Andela — promote networking opportunities with LGBTQIA+ professionals in tech
"At Andela, we are celebrating Pride Month through a series of events designed to raise awareness, encourage active allyship and promote the importance of meaningful LGBTQ+ inclusion. Events include opportunities to network with LGBTQ+ professionals in Tech, Learning sessions, pride celebrations and fun virtual gatherings that focus on the importance of Belonging and the power of bringing our whole selves to work. As Andelans, we believe that active allyship and LGBTQ+ inclusion should be verbal, visual and behavioral based and so our focus is not just about what we say, but being visible, modeling our vision for an inclusive world."
Learn more about Andela here.
1Password — create a resource hub with books, podcasts, movies, and shows by LGBTQIA+ creatives
"Alongside donations to The Trevor Project and Pflag Canada and a number of internal events such as a keynote speech by Cheddar Gorgeous, 1Password’s Pride planning committee will be sharing “did you know?” posts throughout the month of June aimed at educating our internal community. By sharing definitions and historical facts about Pride with the whole company, we’re working to further foster our culture of learning and allyship.
The leaders of our DEI&B program – Strong, Unique Voices (SUV) – have also created a resource hub on Notion for all 1Password team members to access books, podcasts, movies and television shows made by LGBTQIA+ authors and creatives."
Learn more about 1Password here.
2U — promote intersectionality with in-person and virtual events
"2Q—2U’s LGBTQIA+ business resource network comprising 800+ employees internationally—celebrates the theme “Go Forth and PRIDE!”, emphasizing how important it is for our LGBTQIA+ employees to be their authentic selves, at work and in life, and to create intentional moments together for effecting change. 2Q will host over a dozen virtual and in-person internal events promoting intersectionality and inclusivity with special guests, including “empower hours” showing how employees can use VTO in support of LGBTQIA+ causes. On 2U’s blog and social channels, we’ll also feature “Day in the Life” perspectives from some of our LGBTQIA+ leaders, including transgender voices."
Learn more about 2U here.
Cummins — build a Pride ally program
"Here at Cummins, we are excited to take part in celebrating Pride Month and supporting the LGBTQ+ Community. Our European Pride ERG have put together a presentation to distribute across Europe embracing Pride Month and sharing our commitment to our journey on changing global attitudes. Our team are sharing ways to get involved; we have information on how to sign up for LGBTQ+ Safe Leader Training and links to our Pride Ally Page where you can become part of the program. We have a rainbow flag flying high at our European sites and are proudly sponsoring a Pride Parade in England."
Learn more about Cummins here.
Pitney Bowes — review workplace standards
"At Pitney Bowes we have a history of creating an inclusive culture where our employees feel they can bring their authentic selves at work. In the last few years, we have expanded our outreach into the LGBTQ+ community and supported the ongoing efforts for equality. During Pride month we celebrate our contributions and our global community by:
• Spotlighting editorials including LGBTQ+ topics and employee stories
• Providing resources to support coming together virtually and at our operating sites
• Sharing important resources to help support LGBTQ+ employees, allies and their families
• Maintaining the standards to be a best place to work for LGBTQ+ people"
Learn more about Pitney Bowes here.
uShip — sponsor and decorate a float for a Pride parade
"Pride is our most celebrated commemorative month at uShip! In addition to featuring local activities in our weekly newsletter, we also sponsor and decorate a float for the “Austin Pride” parade that takes place every August."
Learn more about uShip here.
Google — match your employees' donations
"At Google, our PRIDE at and Trans at Google employee resource groups continue to grow each year. This year, many LGBTQ+ Googlers and their allies will be coming together to host office events and join their local communities to participate in Pride marches. Additionally, given the challenges facing so many LGBTQ+ people, Google is donating to nonprofits that work directly with the community such as Pride Live, GLAAD and The Trevor Project. Googlers will also be able to donate to nonprofits during Pride month and Google.org will match their donations to LGBTQ+ charities around the world."
Learn more about Google’s LGBTQ+ initiatives
Learn more about Google here.
Kiva — post content to raise awareness
"Kiva is celebrating Pride this year by hosting virtual events and sharing content with our community. Our LGBTQ+ Employee Resources Group (ERG) will host a speaking event featuring an advocate for trans rights, as well as a virtual gathering for LBGTQ+ identified employees. Kiva's marketing team will post content throughout the month to highlight content and stories that raise greater awareness around LGBTQ+ lives."
Learn more about Kiva here.
CHG Healthcare — open a pop-up shop with Pride shirts for employees
"At CHG Healthcare, we pride ourselves on our culture of inclusion and diversity. We are celebrating Pride this month by:
- Participating in the Utah Pride Parade and Festival with more than 200 staff members walking with us
- Opening a pop-up shop for CHG with Pride t-shirts for all employees
- Formally relaunching our LGBTQ+ inclusion group
- Participating in Utah’s Business Equality Leader program, including training about LGBTQ+ inclusion
Learn more about CHG Healthcare here.
Audible — throw an internal happy hour
“This Pride Month Audible is collaborating with Playbill for an activation in Times Square, throwing an internal happy hour celebration for employees to reconnect and celebrate at the Innovation Cathedral, and is sponsoring Montclair NJ’s Pride Festival.”
Learn more about Audible here.
Freddie Mac — host a panel on inclusive terms
"Each June, Freddie Mac looks forward to celebrating Pride with our employee community. This year, Freddie Mac’s theme is “Pride: Then and Now,” featuring a powerful month of programming looking at the history and future of LGBTQ+ rights. Our kickoff event features drag queen and coder Anna Lytical to talk about community representation in tech fields. We will also host discussions on legal cases that protect LGBTQ+ rights, a keynote from filmmaker Yoruba Richen on the intersection of the LGBTQ+ and Civil Rights movements, and a panel on inclusive terms. We will also be highlighting how our LGBTQ+ employees contribute to Freddie Mac’s efforts to make home possible – and inclusive – for all."
Learn more about Freddie Mac here.
CU Direct —
"CU Direct’s PRIDE Employee Resource Group is excited to celebrate PRIDE at the company and in our local community! We are kicking off by sponsoring folks throughout the company to attend a PRIDE Leadership conference hosted by CU Pride, an LGBTQ+ Association of Credit Unions, where folks can learn about building inclusion and intersectional allyship. Throughout the month, team members will play PRIDE Bingo. Folks can win Bingo by participating in a PRIDE activity like reading a book, watching a movie, or highlighting a Queero (queer hero). We’ll wind down each Friday with mini-Pride parties—listening to playlists of queer artists, while we work. At the end of June, our PRIDE ERG is volunteering to set up the OC Pride Parade in Santa Ana, CA. We’re also encouraging our team members across the country to participate in Pride Parades and local events near them!"
Learn more about CU Direct here.
Soundcloud — curate a Pride playlist
"This year, at SoundCloud, we are branding Pride Summer throughout June and July as we celebrate with our US, Germany, and UK employees. Over the next two months, our Diversity Resource Group (DRG) QueerClouders will host a series of events ranging from office activities to educational workshops. As we celebrate and embrace the Queer community, we have curated various playlists located on SoundCloud and are proud to support multiple non-profit organizations that focus on the LGBTQI+ community through the SoundCloud Community Fund."
Learn more about Soundcloud here.
Skedulo — host a discussion group about a film
"During Pride month Skedulo is celebrating by embracing and sharing stories from individuals who identify within this community at Skedulo. We are also raising awareness on issues and building allyship through an education session. We are launching a partnership with The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Australia’s longest-running HIV charity that supports people living with HIV, a disease that has largely affected the LGBTQIA+ community. We will also host a Pride Parade watch party at our San Francisco office, a volunteer event with Frameline Film Festival, and discussion group event about the Netflix Documentary film, Disclosure, highlighting Hollywood's impact on the trans community."
Learn more about Skedulo here.
Relativity — hold educational broadcasts
Relativity Pride is excited to celebrate June with a variety of in-person, hybrid and virtual events including a picnic, happy hour, quiz bowl, and educational broadcast on the history of Stonewall. During Pride, we’re also collaborating with Relativity Women in the Workplace and Black at Relativity to program intersectional events. As a global company, we have engaged employees in the UK to host EMEA-friendly networking sessions. Finally, we’re determined to give back to the community, partnering with our social impact team to raise funds for a local organization with a Relativity match.
Learn more about Relativity here.
3 Frameworks for Finding Companies That Let You Show Up As Your Authentic Self
Insight from AlertMedia’s Maddy Reid
Maddy Reid was in a one-on-one with one of AlertMedia’s customer success team leads when they were asked how they identify at work for the first time.
“It was within my first couple of weeks [at AlertMedia],” recounts Maddy, who had joined the emergency communication software company as a customer success manager.
Per Maddy, their manager turned to them and asked, “So, how do you identify?”
“I had never been asked that in a work setting before,” says Maddy. “It was so cool. And I was like, ‘Actually, now that you ask me that, I am nonbinary.’ At work, I’ve never pushed that because people don’t think to add that other option. But [my manager] had a child who’s nonbinary, so it was a really cool moment for both of us.”
We sat down with Maddy, who has since become a product manager at AlertMedia, to hear more about how they're building a career around good people and also about how others can embrace their identities at work and find companies that celebrate the diversity of their employees.
Finding the “really great humans”
Maddy started college thinking they’d become a math teacher. But an internship at a radio station introduced them to mass media, where they got to connect with others and be creative. “I realized talking to people could be fun! I wanted to do that continuously—talk to people who are nice to me,” they say.
It was in college where Maddy first came out. “I came out as gay, because I thought lesbian was a bad word. I had a lot of unlearning to do. As a kid, I was afraid to identify as anything other than straight, cis lady. Now I’ve done the work, I’m feeling good,” they say.
It took Maddy some time to find their ideal career, too. They left radio because it didn’t pay well, then tried a few other customer-service based roles. They were working at a tech company they hated, sending out dozens of resumes a week, when they connected with a recruiter from Austin-based AlertMedia.
“Everything changed in that moment. She was just so kind. It didn’t feel like every other phone call. It was very much like she was a friend calling me up and we were chatting,” Maddy says. “And when I went in for the actual interview, the way the team is, they want you there and they want to get to know who you are, and it was incredibly welcoming and comfortable. I was like, ‘Alright, sold, I’m in.’”
Their first few weeks on the job, Maddy was convinced their coworkers couldn’t possibly be that nice. “I figured they were saying all these things because it’s the nice thing to say,” they note. “But then I would come in after a long weekend and they’d be like, ‘Oh, how was your trip to go see your parents? How cold is it in Chicago right now?’ I’m like, I barely know you and you actually care. It’s pretty cool. Just a lot of really great humans.”
Finding—and sharing—safety
After Maddy shared with their manager that they were nonbinary, they started noticing things. New people joined the company and added their pronouns to their Slack profiles, for one, which made Maddy feel like they could reach out and share their identity.
“It was like, ‘I can tell you now, you’ve just shown me it’s okay,’” says Maddy. “It’s become more and more common that people outside of work, too, are willing to listen, willing to hear, and if they’re not…do I want to associate with them? Probably not.”
Maddy says that their coworkers will now step in and correct someone who uses the wrong pronouns on Maddy’s behalf. “I’ve never been in an environment where we’re always here for one another and we’re uplifting each other not only professionally, but also personally,” they say.
That sense of support helped Maddy grow from their original role in customer success into a product management role. They’d shown interest in the technical side of the product, and the director of product management noticed and asked if they were interested in transferring over to that side.
“I still work with customer success pretty often, because we’re very customer-centered,” says Maddy of AlertMedia’s products, which include emergency communication software that allows organizations to send SMS pushes, mobile app notifications, and make phone calls to people in emergency situations.
“Right now we have a whole lot going out about the terrible winter weather,” explains Maddy. “People are able to let their employees know about office closures or say, ‘Hey, the roads are looking pretty dicey, respond back to us if you're having trouble getting to work.’”
3 approaches to finding places where you can be your full self at work
We asked Maddy what advice they have to share with other people who might not have always felt comfortable bringing their entire identity to work. Check out their perspective:
- “Always work on your own timeline. You can put a lot of pressure on yourself when you're thinking about other people's expectations,” says Maddy. “When I first started in radio, I wasn't even telling people that I was gay because I wasn't ready for it. Nobody had an issue with it, but I had a lot of self discovery to do and a lot of things to figure out for myself. With identifying as nonbinary, it wasn’t until that conversation with my manager that I said, ‘Okay, maybe I can get comfortable with it.’ If you're not ready, then you're not ready, and you don't have to be. You don't owe that to anyone.”
- “Reach out to people who are reaching out to you. It really is a community thing. If someone is putting themselves out there, adding their pronouns to Slack or Zoom or their email signature, even if they’re cis straight, they’re saying, ‘Hey, I’m a safe person; I’m welcoming you in any way that you are,’ in regards to pronouns. Reaching out to those people is incredibly empowering because you have at least one person you can dip your toes in the water with and see how it goes.”
- “Remember you can leave. There are other jobs, there are other companies, there are places that want you to be who you are. And you deserve to be in that place. So if you're ever feeling unsafe or uncomfortable, get to a point where you can feel safe and comfortable.”
If you’re looking for a workplace where you can be your full self, check out AlertMedia now!
25+ Ideas to Celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month at Work
October is National LGBTQIA+ History Month—an opportunity to reflect on LGBTQIA+ rights and history and the achievements of those who have contributed to the progression of LGBTQIA+ movements around the world.
While LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace should be a year-round effort, celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month at work is a great way to engage employees and continue fostering an inclusive work environment for LGBTQIA+ staff and clients.
We sat down with some of our partner companies to learn how they support and empower their LGBTQIA+ employees to bring their full selves to work. Keep reading for some ideas to celebrate, educate, and inspire inclusivity in your workplace this LGBTQIA+ History Month.
Freddie Mac– CommUNITY at Freddie Mac
"Freddie Mac is committed to creating an inclusive environment for our diverse employees. Here are some of our efforts specific to our support for our LGBTQ+ community:
- Our Pride Business Resource Group (BRG) helps create a culture of non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- We commissioned a first-of-its-kind study to research the LGBT housing experience.
- We hosted a history event highlighting the achievements of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.
- Our Supplier Diversity Program has supported LGBTQ-owned businesses for more than 25 years.
- Our Pride BRG offers LGBTQ+ networking events, programs and keynote speakers throughout the year."
Learn more about Freddie Mac here.
CallRail– Showing Up As Your Full Self
"Our plan is to focus on 'Showing up to work as your full self". We have plans to host a training from Georgia Equality, do a round table discussion wiht LGBTQ employees here at CallRail, we will have some slack events and also a virtual financial literacy course. This will all be hosted by our Women's Circle & Rainbow Coalition ERG."
Learn more about CallRail here.
Sun Life– Networking for Members and Allies
"Sun Life Pride Network is celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month with a multitude of events. The first features Catherine Meade, VP of Social & Community Responsibility at OLG in Toronto, Canada, on her experience of being out in her professional & sporting life. There will also be a casual networking event for members & allies to discuss what it means to come out in today's world.
Sun Life Pride creates a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace where members of the LGBTQIA+ community can reach their full potential, bring their true selves to work and feel proud to be Sun Life employees."
Learn more about Sun Life here.
MongoDB– Sharing Coming Out Stories
"To celebrate National Coming Out Day, MongoDB's affinity groups Queeries and The Queer Collective are organizing an external blog post and an internal panel of employees who will share coming out stories. MongoDB benefits support medical services for employees who identify as Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, or Transsexual, including hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery, blepharoplasty, and many others. MongoDB offers 20 weeks of paid parental leave regardless of gender identity and fertility, surrogacy, and adoption benefits to all of our employees globally. In addition, MongoDB offers expanded gender options as well as pronouns in our recruiting, onboarding, and internal systems, includes gender identity as a protected category, and considers intentional misgendering and deadnaming as forms of harassment in our employee code of conduct.
Learn more about D&I at MongoDB: https://www.mongodb.com/careers/inclusion"
Learn more about MongoDB here.PagerDuty–Addressing Stereotypes and Misconceptions
"As an organization, creating a safe environment is paramount to fostering belonging. Celebrating the LBGTQ+ community must be authentic, strategic and inviting to those who are seeking to be an ally. Life Group circles, in addition to Pride Month, offer an inclusive, safe and learning opportunity for people to share their stories and address stereotypes and/or misconceptions, while celebrating the freedom to express themselves openly at work. You can't choose to be an ally; you are invited in. Life Groups allow us all to learn, celebrate and be proud of our differences."
—Roshan Kindred, Chief Diversity Officer
Learn more about PagerDuty here.
CoStar Group—Celebrating and Supporting Our Employees
"In celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Month, CoStar Group's Pride Network will host its inaugural general body meeting. Scheduled for October 11, National Coming Out Day, the meeting is essentially the "coming out" of our Pride Network. Later in the month, our employees will demonstrate our collective support for LGBTQIA+ youth by participating in Spirit Day, a day on which supporters raise awareness to the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth.
These events celebrate the individuality of our employees, and their friends and families. They also underscore our commitment to a diverse workforce, equitable practices and an inclusive workplace culture."
Learn more about CoStar Group here.
Riot Games–Sharing Gay Rights History
"To celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month, Rainbow Rioters, our LGBTQIA+ employee resource group is engaging Rioters all month long to share the history of gay rights and related civil rights movements. Coinciding with LGBTQIA+ history month is National Coming Out Day where Rioters have traditionally shared stories of their own coming out with players and the public. Our goal is to let the world know that they aren't alone in their gender identity or sexual orientation. Check out our video to hear stories of Rioters coming out, sharing their own journeys of self-discovery, and advice they have for anyone who may find themselves in a similar situation."
Learn more about Riot Games here.
Automattic–Supporting Queer Employees
"Automattic's Queeromattic ARG is a community space, resource hub, and advocacy group for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies. We're all about helping and supporting our kindred queer folks working here, providing likeminded spaces, sharing resources, and finding ways to lift queer voices however we can. Recent support activities include public-facing queer support and content from Queermatticians, posts for Pride month, and a salute for Transgender Day of Remembrance."
Learn more about Automattic here.
Waters Corporation–Providing Best-In-Class Benefits
"At Waters Corporation, we believe diversity is a statement, but inclusion is an act. That's why we celebrate the more than 120 members of our employee-led Pride Circle and embrace new additions when the time is right in their individual journeys. Waters provides gender transition guidelines, holds information sessions for allies, encourages the sharing of pronouns, ensures the availability of best-in-class benefits for LGBTQIA+employees, and upholds a Supplier Diversity Policy. We eagerly partner with qualified businesses owned by underrepresented groups, and we know that harnessing the totality of our employees' perspectives, beliefs, and backgrounds drives our performance."
Learn more about Waters Corporation here.
Smartsheet–Hosting Employee-Led Panel Discussions
"At Smartsheet, we're committed to providing an open and supportive work environment consistent with our company values. The Rainbow Collab, our LGBTQIA+ ERG, regularly hosts employee-led panel discussions and events. Our HRIS system includes 13 gender-identity options (including the option not to identify), as well as 11 pronoun options (including the option "Ask me about my pronouns"). Our standard company email signature was also updated earlier this year to automatically include employees' pronouns based on their selection in our HRIS system."
Learn more about Smartsheet here.
Relativity–Using Inclusive Language
"It's our goal from day one that LGBTQ+ employees in every department and on every team feel comfortable being their authentic selves. Some examples are that everyone is encouraged to display, use, and respectfully inform of personal pronouns. Inclusive language matters. It's on Relativians to hold each other accountable. This year we had a companywide panel discussing LGBTQ+ Representation in Media and Why It Matters. We have Slack channels and community forums dedicated to discussing LGBTQ+ topics and issues. Personally, I make it my mission to do my best to make sure everyone feels supported and proud to be both a Relativian and, most importantly, themselves."
—Ken Diedrich – Senior Software Project Manager & Co-Chair of RelPride (Relativity's LGBTQ+ community resource group)
Learn more about Relativity here.
Collins Aerospace–Raising the Progress Pride Flag
"Through many Pride ERG events, sponsorship of Out and Equal Workplace Summit, raising the Progress Pride flag at 35 sites, and visible C-suite support, Collins Aerospace continuously evolves to create an atmosphere where all employees can bring their best whole self to work. Our Gender Transition Guidelines and Gender Transition toolkit ensure that when an employee shares their intention to transition, they have the support they need from human resources and leadership. Sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity are all part of our anti-discrimination policy.
Our parent company, Raytheon Technologies, is proud to score 100% on HRC's Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality."
Learn more about Collins Aerospace here.
Helix–Holding Intimate Conversations
"At Helix, we encourage every employee to bring their full selves to work. We do this in many ways, including fostering open discussions about intersectionality and respecting each other's choices and beliefs. Recently, we hosted a month-long event, 'Intersectionality in Identities: How who we are affects how we work,' where we invited employees to attend a Journal Club, a Happy Hour and an open discussion on the topic of intersectionality. We had intimate conversations, lots of laughs and built camaraderie through both our shared adversity as well as celebrating our differences.
In a traditional workplace, there is often an expectation of being "professional" which, to someone who identifies as queer, is perceived as "gender conforming". But Helix is anything but ordinary. At Helix, our authentic self is not only encouraged, but celebrated."
- Brian Nguyen, Compliance Project Manager at Helix
Learn more about Helix here.
Moody’s–Showing Solidarity
"Moody's is committed to advancing the cause of LGBTQ+ inclusion. The recent name change for our LGBTA ERG to "Moody's Pride BRG", reflects Moody's ambition to enhance inclusivity and show solidarity with the Trans and Non-Binary community, as well as all minority groups. The mission of the BRG remains unchanged and will continue to be focused on advocating a work environment that respects, welcomes and supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-binary individuals, and enables them to perform to their fullest potential as well as continuing to promote the concept of being an ally."
Learn more about Moody's here.
JW Player–Encouraging Proper Pronoun Use
"At JW Player, we believe that diversity fosters a better workplace. In fact, it's embedded in our company culture as one of our six core values. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable to come to work as their most authentic selves. Since 2020, we've had an active committee dedicated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion which organizes events, shares news and information, and works with our executive team to institute change when needed. JW Player's DEI committee has been responsible for encouraging pronoun use and communicating stories on LGBTQIA+ issues year-round. We are committed to continually educating ourselves, valuing each other's perspectives, and acting in ways that have positive impacts on the company and our wider community."
Learn more about JW Player here.
Cummins–Hosting a Lunch and Learn
"Cummins supports LGBTQ+ community:
- The first Pride Affinity group was launched in Cummins in 2005
- There are now 15 Pride Employee Resource Groups in existence globally set up to foster a safe, equal and inclusive environment to support and empower LGBTQ+ individuals
- Pride ERGs provides quarterly learning series, lunch and learn events, safe leader training and has a Pride Ally program.
- The group aims to provide a supportive, safe and caring environment for all
- Cummins received two recent honours for its support of LGBTQ+ employees and for diversity in general"
Learn more about Cummins here.
Expedia Group–Creating Community-Driven Action
"We at Expedia Group recognize that both inclusion and equity are needed to ensure employees feel safe and encouraged to bring full selves to work. In addition to our LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group creating community driven action, we have launched initiatives driving systemic change and equity including a Transgender and Gender-nonconfirming Inclusion Advisory Council. Members of this council advise on multiple company programs, one of which is global benefits. We have also integrated pronoun, gender identity, and preferred name options into our HR platform and company-wide applications to foster global engagement about gender diversity."
Learn more about Expedia Group here.
ServiceNow–Promoting Action About Culture Change
"At ServiceNow, we champion an inclusive workplace for all LGBTQ+ employees to be their authentic selves. With our Pride Month campaign this year, ServiceNow created dialogues to promote allyship and activate employees around key issues facing LGBTQ+ employees and the work that needs to be done. Through our Pride at Now Belonging Group, LGBTQ+ employees and allies have a safe space to be themselves at ServiceNow. Together, this group focuses on making an impact and promoting action around culture change and inclusive global practices and policies.
Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion here."
Learn more about ServiceNow here.
Facebook–Advocating for an Equitable Space
"Facebook believes in the power of community and driving action to help make Facebook and the LGBTQ+ community stronger. Facebook honors and supports the LGBTQ+ community by continuing the progress of advocating for an equitable, safe, and supportive space for our LGBTQ+ team members.
In support of National Coming Out Day, Facebook's employee resource group Pride@ hosted it's 4th annual Pride@ Development Summit, a virtual event for internal employees who identify as LGBTQ+ rooted in the theme of "All of You. All of Us". Pride@ members united to learn and commit to taking bigger & greater actions to change the world for All of You and All of Us. You can learn more about Life at Facebook by clicking here."
Learn more about Facebook here.
Mural–Helping Our Community Feel Valued
"We encourage employees to bring their full selves to work by ensuring that community and belonging don't stop at the PRIDE ERG. The work continues in meetings during which we use murals to put each voice on equal footing, during pay and promotion conversations when we ensure LGBTQIA2+ people have representation, and when we train our managers to ensure each of our employees can thrive across our business. We also have mindful allies across the organization who also help members of the Community feel valued."
—Alecia Page, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Program Manager
Learn more about Mural here.
Capco–Fundraising for LGBTQIA+ Organizations
"Capco supports LGBTQIA+ employees and encourages them to bring their full selves to work through programming sponsored by Pride@Capco, our global affinity group for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies. Pride@Capco creates networking opportunities, hosts educational and social events, fundraises for LGBTQIA+ organizations, and coordinates a mentorship program. We also work with industry groups such as Out4Undergrad and myGwork to ensure we are engaging and recruiting from diverse communities. Through these initiatives we aim to elevate our community's careers and experiences, foster learning about different perspectives, and create a safe and brave space for everyone at Capco to be themselves at work."
Learn more about Capco here.
BlackRock–Offering Mentorship and Professional Development
"At BlackRock, we are committed to supporting our LGBTQIA+ employees to ensure that we create equitable access to opportunities, career advancement, and a culture in which everyone feels they belong. Our Employee Network, the Out & Allies Network (OUT) was founded 10+ years ago and connects the experience of the LGBTQIA+ community to our BlackRock principles by promoting a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing their stories and bringing their genuine selves to work. The network provides an opportunity for mentorship, sponsorship, professional development, and a channel for allies to learn how to help take action and demonstrate their support."
Learn more about BlackRock here.
Bumble–Hosting Internal Discussions
"At Bumble, our priority is building a company that represents the communities we serve—and ensuring each employee can bring their whole self to work. We do this through a number of initiatives, including but not limited to:
- An internal 'Buzzword' discussion series, where we host subject matter experts and industry leaders to engage in cross-cultural discussions, share varied perspectives, and foster education with our global team.
- 'Diversibees,' our intersectional employee resource group designed to share, support, and celebrate diverse conversations and build community.
- Special programming around LGBTQIA+ History Month, Pride Month, and more. When Pride events halted in 2020, we found a way to support the community through our Pride Donation Campaign. We also love to support local initiatives that our team members are passionate about, such as last month's Unite The Fight Gala in Austin, Texas."
Learn more about Bumble here.
GameChanger–Providing Unconscious Bias Training
"PRIDE month is in June but GameChanger takes pride in standing as an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community every month. Examples of how we show our allyship are:
- Supporting teammates in sharing their gender identities in both the onboarding process, in our intranet, and Slack
- Extend our various benefit opportunities to domestic partners in addition to spouses
- Offer paid parental leave to birthing and non-birthing parents as well as adoption benefits
- Utilizing software that both prevents and promotes awareness of gendered language in various company communications
- Providing unconscious bias training and other diversity and inclusion curriculum to all teammates year round"
Learn more about GameChanger here.
Uber–Sharing Diverse Experiences
"Uber has a tradition of celebrating National Coming Out Day by asking members of Pride at Uber, our LGBTQ+ network, to share their coming out stories. Telling stories is old as (queer) humanity itself, and sharing in the diverse experiences of coming out allows all employees to better understand the LGBTQ+ experience. Sometimes the stories are short, sometimes they're cinematic epics! Often they end well, and other times they're not as easy to hear. What unites these stories is what unites everyone at Uber. The belief that we're all better when we're able to be and share our authentic selves."
Learn more about Uber here.Turo–Fostering Inclusion Through Education, Discussion, and Action
"At Turo, we don't just celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month; we advocate year-long. We have multiple Slack channels dedicated to creating a safe space to discuss LGBTQIA+ topics and diversity globally and within the Turo ecosystem. As part of our Diversity Inclusion and Belonging framework, we hold town halls and feedback sessions to evaluate what's going well and brainstorm ways to improve inclusivity on everything from recruiting and hiring to learning and growth. In addition to educational resources like Trans Allyship, we Turists actively foster inclusivity, from promoting gender-neutral alternatives to "Hey, guys!" to inviting personal pronouns during the hiring and onboarding processes."
Learn more about Turo here.
Nestlé USA–Providing Inclusive Healthcare Benefits
"Nestlé, along with the Nestlé Pride Alliance, are working to create a space where everyone can bring their most authentic self to work, on National Coming Out Day and every day. Nestlé has long been committed to policies that support LGBTQ+ employees — from equal marriage and parental benefits for same sex couples, to healthcare coverage for gender affirmative surgery. This Pride Month we announced the launch of Included Health, an addition to our existing healthcare benefits that elevates care for LGBTQ+ employees across the country, and advocated for the Equality Act through SFPA."
Learn more about Nestlé USA here.