In order to maintain a safe space, we will not be sharing a recording of this event.*
Why do we celebrate Pride? Is it too commercialized? Is it rainbow-washed? Is it akin to Christmas now? Did you know that Pride started as a riot (and was led by two trans women)? Only 50 years ago it was illegal to be trans – we’ve come a long way, but we still have so much room to grow.
When you see the Pride flag, you see a symbol that you can exist authentically. We are encouraged by our amazing panelists to learn more about the various LGBTQIA community flags, the meanings of the symbols, and their history.
What about intersectionality? You may experience additional discrimination based on race or religion or a number of other factors, so how do we discuss these issues in the workplace? It’s important to seek out mentorship and learn from those outside of your space to help create a safe environment for everyone in your workspace.
As cliché as it might sound, acceptance and company culture that allows true authenticity starts at the leadership level. Are employees hiding who they are to feel safe in the office? Would your coworker or employee feel safe putting out a photo of their gay wedding on their desk? In order to truly have an accepting company culture, leadership must allow for respectful and constructive conversations about difficult topics.
And finally - what is an ally? What does it mean to be an ally? Our panel guided our conversation around allyship and put out this challenge - Are you willing to stand up to someone with the risk of losing something? That is allyship.
We recognize that this conversation is only the very tip of the iceberg and encourage everyone to continue talking and connecting to others around these important issues. And a huge thank you to our incredible panel for guiding the conversation and to everyone who attended for sharing their stories and their questions.
* a quick note on recording: We recognize that not all sessions are appropriate to share publicly and going forward, we plan to let you know in advance if a session may not be recorded.
Links from our Conversation
Thank you to the Chicago Tribune for these 9 tips on being a good straight ally.
This week we say goodbye to Clela Rorex, the Boulder County clerk who in 1975 became the first government official in the United States to knowingly issue same-sex marriage licenses. Read the Denver Post article here.
One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families.
Rainbow Alley is a safe, brave space where LGBTQ youth (ages 11-21) and their allies find support and acceptance.
The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law.
Want to talk more with Chelle? Schedule a time with her.
Thank you to our sponsors
To learn more about our sponsors and sponsorship options, visit www.cocareerconnectors.com/sponsors.
What’s next
Save the Date!
7/11/22 - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm MDT
Chelle will be joined by Tim Meurer and Darren Kanthal for a new session of Behind the Recruitment Curtain!
7/25/22 - 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm MDT
Our Gold Sponsor, Shelly Schell with PRISM Financial Strategies will be discussing Financial Planning During Times of Transition. The importance of knowing your own financial situation and how our lives depend on this knowledge for not just survival, but living the life of our dreams.
Registration details will be released shortly.
Connect with our panelists
Chelle Johnson (she/her)
CEO & Founder
Best You Career Advantage
Founder, Colorado Career Connectors
Ellen Lichtenstein (she/they)
Owner & Founder
Just Add Communications LLC
Jordan Reck (she/her)
Senior Organization Change Manager
Collaborative Solutions, LLC
Louie Lugo (he/him)
Chief People Officer
Gallus Medical Detox Centers