Pride Month has its roots in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when members of the LGBTQ+ community fought back against police brutality and discrimination. From that day onwards, LGBTQ+ people fought for their rights to be recognised and respected. One year after the Stonewall Riots, the first Pride parade was held in New York City; it was a peaceful demonstration, and it marked the birth of an annual event that advocates for equality and social justice for all.
The significance of Pride Month is enormous. It provides an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate its diversity, identities, histories and cultures with pride and joy. It is a time to showcase the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, while also raising awareness about the challenges it still faces daily, including discrimination, harassment and even violence. Pride Month therefore also offers a platform for advocacy.
Leonardo’s Pride Network Group is run by LGBTQ+ employees and allies. As an ally, it is important to recognise the significance of Pride Month – regardless of one’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. An ally’s role includes promoting the voices of the LGBTQ+ community, amplifying their stories and recognising that actions can make a difference, no matter how small they might seem. Allyship is not performative or occasional – it is a continuous effort to learn and unlearn, to speak up and to take action.
As allies, we can create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people, opposing and speaking up against hate and discrimination wherever we see it. We can recognise that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and that everyone deserves equality and respect. It is therefore important to understand the historical and cultural importance Pride Month holds in modern times. We must continue to learn more and educate others as we work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Throughout Pride Month 2023, Leonardo’s Pride Network Group is hosting a number of events to inform and inspire our colleagues across the UK, from speaking slots to bake-offs. Learn more about their work to ensure that anyone in the company can fully express who they are, rather than hiding who they are in order to fit in.
