Celebrating Pride Month

The month of June brings many things: warm summer weather, the end of the school year and maybe a relaxing vacation. In the United States, June is also LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This is a time when LGBTQ+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other gender or sexual minorities) celebrate their identities and advocate for equality and acceptance from others in society.

Pride Month is celebrated in many ways all over the world, including displays of the rainbow flag, parades, parties, marches, rallies, and smaller events in communities and workplaces. Some of these events are meant to be fun and joyful, while others are meant to acknowledge discrimination in the past and push for change in the present. What these celebrations have in common is the desire to create an environment where people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcomed as equals. While some laws in the United States and elsewhere acknowledge and protect some of the rights of LGBTQ+ people, there are still numerous places and situations where LGBTQ+ people do not have access to things many others take for granted. This can include housing, medical care,and even physical safety.

In the workplace, most employers in the United States are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Shape is working to go beyond this minimum standard by establishing a vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion. That vision will guide policies to support and attract a world-class range of diverse talent. This includes LGBTQ+ individuals, who already make many contributions at Shape and beyond.

When all of our team members can bring their full selves to the shop floor and the office, our teams run better. When we make connections with people who have different experiences, we feed the innovation that drives Shape’s success. When the Shape Family celebrates all its members, we build a happier company and community. To all our LGBTQ+ team members and the allies who support them: Happy Pride Month!

Written by:
Emily Korchnak
Account Financial Manager
IAB Board Member