From a “people management” and human resources perspective, it is always gratifying to see workplaces celebrate and amplify Pride Month. After all, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn’t a one-and-done act. Advancing DEI is as much a constant function of business as anything a finance or technology team does. And importantly, we should continue to have conversations about the lessons of Pride Month all year long.
As head of HR at Verve, one thing I have noticed this year is how people are being more intentional with listening and learning about Pride Month — both its history and its present-day significance. Pride Month is an ideal time to reflect on how to engage in individual and collective action throughout the year.
Below, we dive into five actions that anyone can incorporate into their daily lives to help advance DEI, as well as a few resources to keep you inspired all year.
Educate Yourself.
Take the time to broaden your understanding and help challenge stereotypes and biases about different cultures, religions, and perspectives. Read books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, or follow diverse voices on social media.
Resource: What is Pride Month? A Short History of Pride | Them
Practice Empathy.
Cultivate empathy by actively listening to others and seeking to understand their experiences and viewpoints. Walk a mile in their shoes and imagine how they feel.
Resource: Pride Month Reading List | Johns Hopkins University Press
Engage in Dialogue.
Initiate conversations about diversity and inclusion with friends, family, and colleagues, and be keenly aware of opinions that are different from yours. Encourage open and respectful discussions about the importance of diversity and the challenges faced by different groups.
Resource: Approaching Intersectional Conversations | The Trevor Project
Challenge Stereotypes.
Be mindful of your own biases when you encounter them. Avoid making assumptions based on someone’s appearance, race, gender, or other characteristics. Instead, focus on individual qualities and strengths.
Resource: How to Outsmart Your Own Unconscious Bias | Valerie Alexander/TEDxPasadena
Support Diverse Voices.
Actively seek out and support diverse voices from underrepresented filmmakers, or supporting businesses owned by individuals from underserved communities.
Resource: LGBTQ+ Voices to Honor This Pride Month | Storycorps
These actions are just starting points. We all share the responsibility to make advancing DEI principles a part of how we live and work. Here at Verve, the intersectional lessons of Pride Month align with our company values. Still, we know that actions speak louder than words. Let’s continue learning — together — to grow and make the world a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse place.
