Pride Month: Building Businesses Where Everyone Belongs
As it’s Pride Month, we wanted to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and explain the importance of inclusivity in the business world. Let’s take a look at why Pride is held in June each year, what it means, and how you can support us as an individual or a business owner.
At Admin Assassin, LGBTQ+ rights is a subject very close to our hearts because AJ is a transman and Kelly is queer. Although there has been progress over the years, we’re still facing ongoing challenges with some backward steps due to recent legislation.
Why Does Pride Matter?
Pride Month gives LGBTQ+ individuals an opportunity to be seen, heard and respected. Parades, events and celebrations are held around the globe to honour LGBTQ+ culture, rights, and history. Pride is traditionally held in June to coincide with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots, which was a historic series of gay liberation protests.
Pride creates important safe spaces of visibility and respect for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite progress being made in terms of rights and acceptance, many challenges still exist today, especially for transpeople. Inclusion benefits both people and businesses, and this isn’t just from a personal perspective.
As professionals and business people, it’s vital that we all stand together. By taking small, consistent actions, we can build a respectful and inclusive society for everyone. And small businesses can make a big impact simply by showing their support.
How to Support Our LGBTQ+ Community
Being an inclusive business owner isn’t just good for people, it’s good for your business too.
You can support our LGBTQ+ community in various ways including:
- Use inclusive language and the correct pronouns.
- Provide welcoming environments in your shops, stores or offices.
- Actively support venues that embrace LGBTQ+ communities – for example, Electric Chapel is Hinckley’s only LGBTQ+ bar.
- Encourage your staff to interact positively with LGBTQ+ customers not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year.
- Review your business practices to ensure they are inclusive.
If you run a local business, then why not become a Trans Ally? Last month, we held our very first business expo for our Trans In Hinckley support group. Held at Electric Chapel, this was in response to our support group, who felt worried about how they might be treated by local shopkeepers and businesses. We wanted to show them just how many supportive and inclusive businesses we have in our town. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for events.
Are you a business owner? Why not display a badge to show that you are a safe space for our local trans and non-binary community. Get in touch to find out more.
Trans In Hinckley Support Group
Trans In Hinckley is an award-winning, volunteer-led support group providing a safe, judgement-free space for local trans, non-binary, questioning, and gender non-conforming individuals.
We’re fully committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment, where everyone is respected, supported and celebrated. You’re welcome to come along on your own or you can bring a friend or family member.
Trans in Hinckley Support Group – monthly meetings at the Electric Chapel, Hinckley. Get in touch for details, call 07854 819736 or follow our Facebook page.
Thank you for reading this month blog – 10 Admin Tasks in Business That You Should Outsource.
Admin Assassin