Every June, we come together to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Plus) identity in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. The Stonewall Riots are considered a vital moment in LGBTQIA+ history, marking the beginning of the global gay rights movement.  

Pride Month is a time when we celebrate together- consisting of many celebratory events for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies alike show their spirit and pride for the wide array of identities amongst the community. It offers us a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how we can build a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and accepted.  

Today, Pride Month continues to shine a light on the discrimination the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face. The LGBTQIA+ community, as well as ally institutions and organizations, continue to address the discrimination the community faces. 33% of LGBTQIA+ employees reported leaving their job due to treatment from their employer in the workplace, and 47% of LGBTQIA+ employees reported experiencing discrimination at work at some point in their careers. Refer to this research from the Williams Institute at UCLA to learn more about the statistics of discrimination the LGBTQIA+ community faces in the workplace.  

At CommCorp, we recognize that inclusion must be intentional and ongoing. In the past few years, we’ve taken key steps to create a more inclusive and equitable organization, including: 

  • Hiring our inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 
  • Establishing a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Advisory Council (DEIAC) 
  • Developing an Inclusive Language Guide to shape our internal and external communications 
 

We also know we’re not alone in this work. Organizations like Out & Equal are helping drive change across the workforce through leadership development for transgender and non-binary professionals, as well as identity-based engagement groups that foster belonging.  

Pride Month is a time to celebrate LGBTQIA+ identities. Boston and surrounding cities have festive events during Pride Month! The Boston Pride for the People will be having a Pride Month celebration, including a parade, festival, and block party. We’ve included some links to information on upcoming celebrations. 

Check out this link to a Pride Month calendar for all the festivities happening in Boston!


VisitMA has also complied an extensive list of LGBTQIA+ owned business to support, as well as Pride Events and Celebrations across greater Massachusetts! Additionally, the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce has complied a Pride Month Catalog highlighting LGBTQIA+ owned businesses across the Commonwealth.  

Join us in celebrating Pride Month by attending a local event, supporting LGTBQIA+ owned businesses, and learning more about the history and continued efforts for equality in the workplace and beyond.