Inclusion in Action: Our Pride Month Reflections

Pride is an important event for many reasons. For some, it's a poignant reminder of the challenges faced within the LGBTQ+ community, and a call to action against ongoing injustice. For others, it's a celebration of self-acceptance, encouraging individuals to take ownership of their identity, and to love without boundaries.

Pride is a time to honor the differences that unite us. It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate the essence of Pride and its significance to our team members.

What does Pride Month mean to you?

We asked our associates this question and are honored to share their reflections:

"It means a safe space for individuals who feel they may not have a place in 'normal' society." —Andrew Bauer

"Respect others and ourselves in who we are and how we do things, react, interact, and to just 'be.'" —Natascha Clark

"To me, Pride means celebrating diversity while empowering the world to push for equality in our daily lives. I am reminded of an interaction I had last year. I was on my daily walk around our neighborhood. I passed a school that was just letting out. I had on Pride sunglasses and saw a student pointing at me as I crossed the street. I didn't think much more of it but a second later, I felt a tap on my shoulder. His mom had to tell me that her son was pointing at me and said, ’see I am not the only one.’ I can't tell you what emotion swept over me. I turned around and waved to the elementary-aged student. You could tell he was shy but waved back. I often think about that interaction and my wish is that the world he grows up in is even more inclusive. Happy Pride to all and remember to let your true colors shine!" —Dennis Decot

"Pride is a celebration of authenticity and self-expression. It's a time to honor the diverse spectrum of identities within the LGBTQ+ community and to recognize the journey toward self-acceptance and love. It's about standing in solidarity with others who have fought for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today and continuing to advocate for those who still face discrimination and inequality. Pride is a powerful affirmation that love, in all its forms, is beautiful and worthy of celebration. Happy pride to my fellow LGBTQ+ family!" —Erin Leverenz Hudson

"For me, it's about embracing one's true identity without fear or shame and celebrating the diversity and richness of every human experience. A collective affirmation of the right to love who you love, to express your gender identity authentically, and to live openly and freely without discrimination or persecution. It's a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us, paving the way for greater acceptance and equality. It's a call to action, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and recognition, and a joyful assertion of our inherent worth and dignity as individuals and as a community." —Annie Scott

"For me, Pride is for every individual who has been silenced from being their true self. Pride reminds us of the challenges the LGBTQ+ community continue to face and compels us to be advocates for equity in an unequal world. Above all, Pride is about love and being loved, no matter your identity or beliefs. Audre Lorde said, 'It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.'" —Katie Smith

"Pride is a celebration of people and allowing all people to be who they are, accept who they are, and be proud of who they are. It celebrates the LGBT+ community and is a celebration of equality and diversity where people can live in a world with love, respect, and support." —Valerie Wakeham

"To me, Pride means accepting who we and others are without judgement and with love. I find it important in my life to be an ally with those in our LGBTQ+ community." —Bret Wall

"Pride to me means equal amounts of love, respect, and kindness for all." —Bristol Associate

"To me, pride is an awareness of the struggles and discrimination the LGBTQIA+ community has had to overcome and continues to face in the name of love and self. No one should be told who they can or cannot love and who they can or cannot be. I am proud to love several family members and friends who stand up for their right to choose who they love and who they are and will always be a champion for these rights. Pride is an opportunity for me to celebrate and support these inherent rights." —Bristol Associate