We partnered with employers in June to bring their employees together to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community: from history to current events, to conversations centered around allyship and growth.

We thank Monica Livingston, Beckham Duffy, Stephen Barr, Julian Damore, and Alex Myers, amongst others for supporting our Electives community and teaching employees throughout the month of June. We pulled together a few key themes and lessons that emerged in conversation:

Theme #1: Everyone is entitled to feel comfortable in and out of the workplace

“As an ally, one thing you can do is introduce yourself with your pronouns to make it more common overall in the workplace.”

Employers need to do their part to ensure their workplaces are inclusive and equitable to all. Therefore, employees should be encouraged to share their pronouns when meeting someone new or include their pronouns in email signatures. Every employee wants to enter a workplace as their authentic selves.

Theme #2: Learning experiences are opportunities for individuals to grow inside and outside the workplace

“So many things hit home for me. I so appreciate everything that was said today. I will be a better parent because of it.”

Employees were grateful to learn alongside their colleagues and hear stories and lived experiences from incredible teachers. From personal stories to advice on having conversations with kids, employees felt more inspired and more empowered with the tools to be better allies, parents, or loved ones.

“It’s important to employ empathetic listening skills, actively learn more about topics you are not familiar with, and ACT to serve as a good ally.”

Learning moments can be so impactful even in a hybrid or remote workplace. The key is to take the learning and act on it. So many folks said the “a” in ally stands for action. Learning is one thing, but we all need to get out and make the change we want to see.

Theme #3: We need to show more support for the LGBTQ+ community

“After this elective, I feel better equipped to show up for my community members who identify as LGBTQ+.”

Employers and individuals need to do more than change their logos or say “Happy Pride” on social media. With recent events in our country, we need to show more support for the LGBTQ+ community now more than ever.

“The fight is still happening for gay rights. The fight is not over.”

Looking for ways to do so? Here is a short list with some ideas:

Host a book club discussing a novel written by a LGBTQ+ author or that centers LGBTQ+ voice/storytelling

Share your pronouns when you meet someone new

Share micro learning videos like this one: Support LGBTQ+ talent in the workplace

Advocate for gender neutral bathrooms in your office environment

Learn about LGBTQ+ heroes (past, present, future)

Educate your loved ones about the importance of using pronouns

We partnered with employers in June to bring their employees together to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community: from history to current events, to conversations centered around allyship and growth.

We thank Monica Livingston, Beckham Duffy, Stephen Barr, Julian Damore, and Alex Myers, amongst others for supporting our Electives community and teaching employees throughout the month of June. We pulled together a few key themes and lessons that emerged in conversation:

Theme #1: Everyone is entitled to feel comfortable in and out of the workplace
“As an ally, one thing you can do is introduce yourself with your pronouns to make it more common overall in the workplace.”

Employers need to do their part to ensure their workplaces are inclusive and equitable to all. Therefore, employees should be encouraged to share their pronouns when meeting someone new or include their pronouns in email signatures. Every employee wants to enter a workplace as their authentic selves.

Theme #2: Learning experiences are opportunities for individuals to grow inside and outside the workplace
“So many things hit home for me. I so appreciate everything that was said today. I will be a better parent because of it.”

Employees were grateful to learn alongside their colleagues and hear stories and lived experiences from incredible teachers. From personal stories to advice on having conversations with kids, employees felt more inspired and more empowered with the tools to be better allies, parents, or loved ones.

“It’s important to employ empathetic listening skills, actively learn more about topics you are not familiar with, and ACT to serve as a good ally.”

Learning moments can be so impactful even in a hybrid or remote workplace. The key is to take the learning and act on it. So many folks said the “a” in ally stands for action. Learning is one thing, but we all need to get out and make the change we want to see.

Theme #3: We need to show more support for the LGBTQ+ community
“After this elective, I feel better equipped to show up for my community members who identify as LGBTQ+.”

Employers and individuals need to do more than change their logos or say “Happy Pride” on social media. With recent events in our country, we need to show more support for the LGBTQ+ community now more than ever.

“The fight is still happening for gay rights. The fight is not over.”

Looking for ways to do so? Here is a short list with some ideas:
Host a book club discussing a novel written by a LGBTQ+ author or that centers LGBTQ+ voice/storytelling
Organize a watch party
Donate to a charity
Share your pronouns when you meet someone new
Share micro learning videos like this one: Support LGBTQ+ talent in the workplace
Advocate for gender neutral bathrooms in your office environment
Learn about LGBTQ+ heroes (past, present, future)
Educate your loved ones about the importance of using pronouns

CALL TO ACTION

We recapped key themes that emerged from electives taught during Pride Month 2022

Key Lessons Learned During Pride Month 2022

Fri Jul 01 2022

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