Pride in Our Community

Provided by Melissa Davies, Wise Ways Consulting

Welcome to June

June is Pride month across the country. This movement began fifty years ago in response to a police raid on the Stonewall Inn in New York City. The uprisings that followed have changed the national landscape on acceptance of the LGTBQ+ population and brought much needed attention to equality and legislation that protects all citizens.

Whether you honor or celebrate Pride month is as private as your sexual identity. Chances are you interact with people in your daily life who identify as LGBTQ+.

How to Celebrate Pride

You don’t have to identify as LGBTQ+ to celebrate Pride any more than you must be Irish to raise a glass of Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day. Understanding Pride and Supporting friends, family, and co-workers is something we do every day.

The State of Virginia rates “medium” for laws and protections for the LGBTQ+ population.

In the workplace, celebrating Pride shouldn’t be relegated to June. Supporting LGBTQ+ workers and their families should be part of a company’s hiring and HR practices. Diverse and inclusive workforces represent the community and foster strong cultures and new ideas.

There are many fun and family friend ways to celebrate Pride in Northern Virginia with parades, 5K runs, book talks, and community gatherings.

Here is a list of resources of events throughout the region. Check a few out.

Melissa Davies is an executive leadership coach and facilitator as well as the author of How Not to Act Like a BLEEP at Work. She resides in Prince William County and is the owner of Wise Ways Consulting, which specializes in leadership, management and team development, executive coaching, group facilitation and high-engagement training. She can be reached at info@wisewaysconsulting.com or through wisewaysconsulting.com.