Celebrating with Pride 2024

Date

1 month ago

June 1 marks the beginning of Pride Month and the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Inn riots in response to LGBT+ discrimination and inequality.

Before the Stonewall riots, fundamental civil rights were broadly denied to LGBT+ individuals. In New York, it was illegal for restaurants, bars and other businesses to serve alcohol to known or suspected members of the LGBT+ community. Despite restrictions, the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village welcomed LGBT+ patrons, becoming an institution for the community. On the morning of June 28, the police raided the Stonewall Inn. Rather than dispersing, patrons and neighborhood residents remained to protest the social discrimination and unfair treatment many had faced for so long. The crowd eventually left, but protests continued in the area for the next five days. On the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots, thousands marched from the Stonewall Inn to Central Park in what is now recognized as the first Pride Parade. The events at the Stonewall Inn transformed the LGBT+ liberation movement overnight and sparked the 20^th-century fight for equality.

At Greenbrier, celebrating Pride Month reinforces an inclusive and positive workplace for members and allies of the LGBT+ community. It also aligns with our core value of Respect for People by fostering an environment of acceptance and providing opportunities for education and growth. The recognition and support for our LGBT+ colleagues are a time for reflection on the importance of workplace inclusion, allyship, and the fight against discrimination. A 2018 report done by the Human Rights Campaign titled “A Workplace Divided” found that:

46% of LGBT+ workers say they are closeted at work
20% of LGBT+ workers report having been told or had co-workers imply that they should dress in a more feminine or masculine manner
53% of LGBT+ workers report hearing jokes about lesbian or gay people occasionally
31% of LGBT+ workers say they have felt unhappy or depressed at work.

The Human Rights Campaign also revealed that “a quarter of LGBT+ employees reported feeling distracted from their tasks when working in an unwelcome environment and 20% would stay home from work altogether to avoid the negativity.” (www.hrexecutive.com)

Through our IDEAL Commitment, Greenbrier maintains a work environment where employees feel safe, respected and valued. Resources like our employee-led True Colors LGBT+ & Allies Employee Resource Group (ERG) allow employees to gather and share experiences, learn, educate and support one another.

These resources can serve as professional development and a safe space for employees. Safe spaces are defined as “places or environments in which a person or category of people can feel confident they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment or any other physical harm.” By creating safe spaces and enhancing company culture, employees of all identities and backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged to bring their whole selves to the workplace. For Greenbrier, this is crucial for several reasons:

Promotes mental health
Enhances employee engagement
Fosters innovation
Improves conflict resolution
Boosts trust and teamwork

Individuals can support a safe space by building trust, being inclusive and giving others a safe space to talk. Establishing a physical safe space can also reinforce inclusion and belonging. For example, employees can show their support with signage like pride stickers, posters, flags and other materials that indicate allyship and safe spaces among colleagues.

It is also essential to understand that individuals do not need to identify as part of the LGBT+ community to celebrate Pride but support others by being allies. Allyship at Greenbrier can look like joining and supporting the True Colors LGBT+ & Allies ERG, respecting others’ preferred names and pronouns and reporting discrimination and harassment.

This Pride Month, we encourage employees to learn more about Pride’s history and ways to support one another to enhance company culture. Below is a list of LGBT+ movies, music, books and podcasts provided by our True Colors LGBT+ & Allies ERG to celebrate Pride month.

Movies

Paris is Burning
Disclosure
A Secret Love
Edit + Thea: A Very Long Engagement
The Times of Harvey Milk
Moonlight
But I’m a Cheerleader
Carol

Music

True Colors – Cyndi Lauper
Vogue – Madonna
I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross
Girls Like Girls – Hayley Kiyoko
Make Me Feel – Janelle Monae
Montero – Lil Nas X
Honey – Kehlani
Nothing But Love – Wrabel
Pride Party 2024 (Spotify Playlist)
Pride Music (Apple Music Playlist)

Books

A Wild and Precious Life by Edie Windsor
The Book of Pride: LGBTQ+ Heroes who Changed the World by Mason Funke
Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More by Janet Mock
The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
The Art of Showing Up: How to Be There for Yourself and Your People by Rachel Miller
Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett