Hello, my people ! The most beautiful month for Come Out! 🚪🌈has arrived.
We already know it well: in today's world, diversity and inclusion have become fundamental pillars to build a more just and equitable society. And in this fight two commemorations are key this month: Pride Month and Juneteenth .
The Importance of LGBTQ+ Pride
Pride Month is a month dedicated to the visibility and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. This month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York, which marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. During this month, parades, cultural events and educational activities are held in most cities that seek to make this community visible and support it.
Celebrating our pride is essential because:
Encourages visibility and respect : Allows LGBTQ+ people to feel seen and respected in a society that has historically marginalized their identities. At the same time, it allows the creation of companies committed to creating safe spaces free of discrimination for all their talents.
Education and awareness : Provides a platform to educate the public about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the contributions they have made to society. It is a great opportunity to talk about bias, privilege, intersectionality, gender and many other variables that define diversity.
Promotes human rights : It is a reminder of the continued fight for equal rights and the importance of inclusive policies. We must understand that in societies where people do not have the same rights, those become privileges.
It gives a voice to those who do not have one: Did you know that even in 2024, it is still illegal to be homosexual in almost 70 countries, and in 8 the death penalty could be imposed for reasons of sexual orientation and gender identity? In addition, 20 countries in Europe and several in Latin America require the sterilization of transgender people to achieve legal recognition of their gender identity. And finally, the need to stop the increase in hate crimes that is increasing in countries such as Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, Argentina, among others.
It's simply beautiful! Don't the streets and public spaces full of color with our flags look divine?
And what is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19 , commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. In 1865 , two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the last slaves in Galveston, Texas, were freed . This day is a celebration of freedom and progress, and a reminder of the painful legacy of slavery and the importance of the fight for racial justice.
Juneteenth is crucial because:
Recognizes an important part of history : Ensures that the history of slavery and the fight for freedom is not forgotten – although some states, such as Florida (USA), intend to do so…
Celebrate African American resilience and contributions : Honor the resilience and contributions of people of African descent to society.
Promotes social justice : It is a call to action to continue working for equality and racial justice.
Five Tips to Be Allies of Diversity
Being an effective ally involves more than simply providing neutral support. Here I share with you five tips to be a true ally of diversity:
Educate yourself and listen: Learn about the experiences and challenges of communities with more challenges ahead. Actively listen to their stories and perspectives, and be encouraged to have honest conversations outside your comfort zone.
Use your voice : Show your support by speaking out against discrimination and injustice when you see it. Use your position to amplify the voices of those who are not heard.
Support with actions : Participate in community events, participate in marches, donate to organizations that work for equality and support minority businesses. Check if in your work meetings everyone has the opportunity to give their opinion, and how much they encourage the use of pronouns .
Be inclusive in your environment : Encourage inclusion in your workplace, school and community. Make sure policies and practices are equitable for everyone. Dare to learn more about inclusive language – both in written forms and images in your communications.
Continuously reflect and improve: Being a good ally is a continuous process. Review your biases, your own prejudices and work to overcome them.
Now let's go march together!
Pride Month and Juneteenth are times to celebrate progress, reflect on the challenges we still face, and commit to being better allies in the fight for diversity and inclusion. By educating ourselves and acting proactively, we can contribute to building a more equitable and fair world for everyone.
H a p p y P r i d e !
You can get “ Come Out! The Ultimate Guide for Inclusivity in the Business ” on Amazon in Spanish , Portuguese and now also in English .
Comments