Love is Love: The End of Pride Month and the Start of Continuous Commitment
As we mark the end of Pride Month this year, it’s a moment to remember that it’s more than just a month or a day. It’s a commitment. Every June, corporations adorn themselves in the rainbow regalia of LGBTQ+ support — touting equality with colorful merchandise, emblems, and even jingles. But as the glitter fades and the parades end, the responsibilities of being an ally should not.
Let’s get real: it’s easy to wave a flag when everyone else is doing it. But true allyship isn’t about jumping on a bandwagon for thirty days; it’s about a year-round pledge to stand by the LGBTQ+ community, especially when the confetti is long gone.
At TAweek in January, I highlighted a disturbing trend: the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ bills and laws. This isn’t just some fringe issue. In 2023 alone, over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced. This isn’t progress; it’s a backlash. And the retreat of some corporate allies, bowing to political pressures, only adds salt to the wound. The message here? When the going gets tough, the rainbows vanish.
Now, I get it. Corporate America is driven by profit margins and shareholder value. But there’s a glaring hypocrisy in companies flaunting rainbow logos in June and then ghosting the community when the calendar flips to July. Allyship is not a seasonal sport. It’s a year-round marathon.
Violent threats are up. The rhetoric aimed at turning us against each other is on the rise. It’s a deliberate attempt to make us forget that at the core of these “issues” are human beings who deserve the same respect and rights as anyone else. This is not just an LGBTQ+ issue; it’s a human issue.
So, what does authentic allyship look like? It’s a continuous commitment to education — knowing the history, the struggles, and the ongoing battles of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s advocating against discrimination, not just when it’s convenient, but every single day. It’s supporting LGBTQ+ organizations, not just with words, but with actions and funds. And it’s creating inclusive environments where everyone feels safe and valued.
To the CEOs and corporate boards: Put your money where your mouth is. If you’re serious about equality, show it. Not just with a tweet, but with policies, benefits, and practices that support your LGBTQ+ employees all year round.
To the rest of us: Be the change. Whether you’re in a position of power or not, your actions matter. Speak up against injustice, educate yourself and others, and support those who need it. Don’t let Pride Month be the only time you think about equality.
In the end, it’s simple. Love is love. It doesn’t fit neatly into a month, a day, or a hashtag. It’s a constant, unwavering commitment to standing up for what’s right. So, as the rainbow flags are folded and the last of the parade floats are stored away, let’s remember: the real work of allyship is just beginning. And it’s a commitment we must carry with us every single day.
Hi there, I’m Brian, and in addition to this Medium, I’m writing the proverbial (no surprise here) sequel to Talk Tech To Me. I take on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplify them for the modern recruiter.
