Each LGBTQ+ person carries with them their own understanding of LGBTQ+ Pride and Allyship. As our annual “Pride Season” comes to a close, we are pausing to explore these concepts further with the hope that their deeper significance will be felt long after the wave of marketing campaigns and social initiatives end on June 30.
To access this deeper understanding of Pride and allyship, we asked Pride in Our Workplace leaders to define the terms through the lens of their own experiences.
We posed the following question to our Board: What do Pride and Allyship mean to you?
Join us in reflecting on their perspectives.
We’ll close with an extended quote from John Basile, PIOW President. When asked what Pride meant to him, John shared the joy the comes from being able to feel comfortable as his “true self” in all aspects of his life. He also expressed gratitude for living in a state like Massachusetts and working in spaces that are safe and affirming for LGBTQ+ individuals. However, he reminded us that this feeling of security wasn’t always guaranteed:
“But I remember those days when I was fearful, ashamed, and I hid my life from so many who meant the most to me. I also reflect on how much harder it was for the generations before me. They were truly heroes in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. Every year that we celebrate Pride, we celebrate them, their courage and their hope for a better future for us all.”
John Basile (he/they), PIOW President
As we move forward with our work, let’s be mindful to pause and honor the strength of those who came before us, feel pride in our own identities and collective ability to advocate effectively, and commit ourselves to meaningful acts of allyship that will aid in paving the way for future generations.