It’s a Matter of Pride

You will see a slew of rainbows this month with rainbow themed social media campaigns to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. I’m all for that. And more. True support though, has to come from within, with policies and actions that create more inclusive workplaces and communities. Actions that go deeper than the Pride celebrations toward true allyship. 

This year, TCU Place introduced our new heartfelt tagline “This is YOUR place”, and so regardless of who you are, what event you are gathering to support, your political or religious affiliation, your background or your status in life – our place is a welcoming space for everyone. We have trained our team to ensure a safe space. We have ensured that our team is as diverse as our industry and our world. We authentically take the initiative to hire talent with different and new perspectives and experience because it adds a richness to our team. We celebrate our differences and get positively curious about each other. 

We have the incredible job of running a Performing Arts Centre – and actively look for entertainment options that are also as diverse as our world, and to celebrate that diversity. And we are on a journey of learning. This year we were called out for not having an open and accessible gender-neutral washroom for an event, and I was embarrassed that this was indeed the case. And when that happened, I took it personally and engaged with the individual that called us out. I wanted to do better. I wanted our team to do better. And we followed up with training for our team, as well as a process to ensure that no one needed to ask for a key to a washroom – under any circumstance. This is a safe place. This is YOUR place. So, we learned and we grew. And I was so grateful that we were called out and given an opportunity to do better. 

Our goal is to support the LGBTQ+ Community internally and externally, always – not just during Pride Month. Our long-term plan includes measurable diversity goals. Our marketing pays attention to our big diverse world, featuring LGBTQ+ individuals and highlighting our company’s support for the community. We have uncomfortable conversations with each other to help our team grow. We commit to consistently keeping the diversity effort moving forward through the year. 

So why are do doing this? The events industry has the power to bring people together for a variety of purposes – entertainment, business meetings, conventions, celebrations, cultural activities, sports and more. Some consider this industry a “nice to have”, and I believe that we are a cultural necessity – if we do it right. We have the power to create experiences that change lives. We have the opportunity to open people’s minds to new experiences, to help them learn, grow, celebrate, and belong – fundamental human needs. And while we play this important role, we can elevate the purpose of our gatherings – and share the message about taking better care of our world and each other. That starts with our own actions within our team and within our community. We know that actions speak louder than words, and definitely louder than policies. So we are taking action to bridge the gaps, learn the truths, understand and address ingrained biases, and to also help our clients to do the same. We know that by looking at the world through this lens, that our world becomes stronger, and our business becomes stronger. 

For us, its not just a matter of Pride – but a fundamental human right that we can positively influence. Belonging, safety, love, respect, appreciation…we live for this at TCU Place. And we welcome you to join us. Because this is YOUR Place.