Around the world, Pride celebrations are taking place to honor the incredible progress that has been made on the path towards equality for LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere. While many advancements have been made since the June 1969 Stonewall Riots, the fight against bigotry, systemic discrimination, and violence remains. At Poly, we believe that through the power of many, our actions and words make a profound difference in creating a more equitable and tolerant workplace and world.
With social distancing measures still in place in many communities around the world, here are eight ways to celebrate Pride all season long.
1. BE AN ALLY
You can show your support this month (and all year long, for that matter) through your actions, words, and listening. This means speaking up if you witness a member of the LGBTQ+ community being marginalized, thoughtfully leaning into tough conversations around your own implicit biases or assumptions and making an effort to un-work heteronormative ways of thinking and acting. Other important traits of an ally are using inclusive or non-binary language, using a person’s chosen pronoun, and never partaking in humor or name-calling that disparage LGBTQ+ individuals.
2. ATTEND A PRIDE CELEBRATION
Throughout the Spring and Summer, cities around the world will be holding both virtual and in-person, parades, celebrations, concerts, talks and more. Check out this list of 2021 International Gay Pride Events going on around the world.
3. HOST YOUR VERY OWN PRIDE PARTY
If for some reason you cannot attend a Pride event, throw your own! Gather your ‘pod’ and deck the house with rainbows, jam out to a playlist of Pride anthems or LGBTQ+ artists, and make colorful treats. Here’s great opportunity to put your Poly gear to work and invite friends and family to virtually join in on the celebrations over Zoom.
4. DONATE OR VOLUNTEER TO LGBTQ+ ORGANIZATIONS
A powerful yet simple way to show your support is by donating to the various nonprofits making a profound difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. Poly has an ambitious goal to raise $10,000 for Rainbow Railroad this month through our Global Giving with team member donations being matched 2:1. A nonprofit that directly helps those in danger get across borders to safety, Rainbow Railroad has assisted more than 1,600 LGBTQ+ people find safety through emergency relocation and other forms of assistance since its founding in 2006
5. READ AND LISTEN TO LGBTQ+ VOICES
One of the best ways to be a better ally is to gain a deeper understanding of the LGBTQ+ experience through reading and listening. There are many inspiring authors and podcasts that share their stories in inspiring, entertaining, and informative ways.
6. ROCK THE RAINBOW
The rainbow flag is far and away the most popular visual representation of Pride. Whether it’s putting up a rainbow flag, rocking some rainbow flare, or any other rainbow paraphernalia, displaying the rainbow is a simple way to either show that you are a member or an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
7. ART PROJECTS
Bust out the art supplies and channel your thoughts and feelings into a piece of art or get crafty making pride celebration decorations. This is an especially fun activity to do with your young ones while having age-appropriate conversations about the spectrum of gender identity, homosexuality, discrimination, anti-bullying, and inclusivity.
8. PRIDE MOVIE NIGHT
For a more low-key option, you can grab the popcorn and let the power of film transport you into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of people in the LGBTQ+ community. Here’s a list of 200 LGBTQ movies to choose from.
In the wake of 2020’s hardships, this year’s Pride theme “All in This Together” really hits home. I hope that we’re able to hold onto the understanding of our interconnectedness we learned during the pandemic. Regardless of how or when you celebrate this Pride Season, Poly is proud to be a workplace where everyone feels accepted and appreciated to show up as their authentic selves.