Celebrating Pride As An Advocate

June is Pride Month in the United States, and WWCode is celebrating the impact LGBTQ+ identifying individuals have had on the tech industry. The Stonewall Inn riots of 1969 in NYC was a protest against discrimination and  has now become a celebration of all LGBTQ+ people and a movement for inclusive policies that safeguard the community. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights while providing a platform for advocacy, education, and celebration of the beauty and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. 

The LGBTQ+ community and allies will be celebrating all over the U.S. this month with parades, rallies, festivals, and events. However, as pride celebrations kick off this month, it’s impossible not to reflect on the targeted attacks on the LGBTQ+ community.. Since the beginning of 2023, lawmakers in the U.S. have introduced more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ bills.. These bills limit free speech, gender and identity expression, healthcare, public accommodations, and more. 

This new reality makes it crucial to bring inclusivity to the forefront of the workplace. A survey from the Human Rights Campaign found that 46% of LGBTQ+ individuals were hiding their sexual orientation or gender identity at work, and 10% of those surveyed left a job because the work environment was not accepting. 

Forcing anyone to come out at work goes against the principle that coming out is a personal choice.  As a Founder, Executive, or Manager, you can create a safe and welcoming environment in the workplace for individuals to feel like they can show up as their most authentic selves. LGBTQ+ technologists are vital assets and bring forth diverse perspectives, new ideas and innovations, and contribute to company growth. However, It’s not enough to claim inclusivity. Creating a truly inclusive workplace requires ongoing commitment and effort. Here are a few ways to support LGBTQ+ people in the tech industry:

Promote Inclusive Policies

Encourage your workplace or organization to establish non-discrimination policies that explicitly include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. 

Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment

Foster an environment where LGBTQ+ people feel safe and valued. Promote respect, acceptance, and open communication among team members. Encourage allies to show support and create employee resource groups.

Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights

Use your platform and abilities to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in and out of the workplace. Speak out against discriminatory practices, support legislation that promotes LGBTQ+ rights, and engage in public conversations to challenge stereotypes and biases. 

Support Inclusive Organizations

Engage with and give to organizations making a difference for LGBTQ+ voices in tech and promote inclusive work environments, like Women Who Code! 

Happy Pride Month!