What are some things we should know about intersectionality in the LGBTQ+ community?
For example, there’s racism in the gay community, which we saw last year when some white LGBTQ+ people didn’t want to support Black Lives Matter. We know a lot of LGBTQ+ people become homeless, but Black LGBTQ+ people face different discrimination at homeless shelters because of the color of their skin.
There are bills popping up all over the United States that discriminates against trans people. Laverne Cox, a trans woman, described these bills as denying someone the right to exist how they are. If a trans person isn’t allowed to use the bathroom that’s right for them, it becomes harder for them to exist as a person. We aren’t just keeping trans girls from competing in sports, we’re taking away that child’s opportunity to thrive. We need to think about issues like this in a broader context because we’ll create more problems for the community.
How can we all support the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and beyond?
The Pride BRG can help support recruitment at the firm. If a representative from each BRG attended recruiting events, it shows that we’re a place where all can belong. The Pride BRG regional chapters also plan to host some events so people understand our community, the obstacles we face in the workplace, and how to use more inclusive language.
I also think it’s important for trans allies to add our pronouns in our email signatures because it normalizes introducing our pronouns and reduces stigma. I identify as male, which is what I was assigned at birth, but if someone doesn’t use the pronouns they were assigned at birth then that should be okay. When allies normalize sharing our pronouns, it makes sharing pronouns less of a big deal for those whose pronouns may not be visibly reflected in their appearance.
Pride Month is about celebrating who you are as an individual, and whether you’re LGBTQ+ or not, you’re welcome to join the celebration. Pride helps others come out, and it helps celebrate the diversity in our community. This month, remember how great it is to be yourself.