In Celebration of Pride Month: In Conversation with Susan Elliott-Bocassi
Is pride month different for you this year? And how are you raising awareness this year?
Pride month has changed for me as we emerge from the pandemic. Historically we would have attended a Pride event and hosted our own rainbow party. This year my wife and I did host that Rainbow Party at the request of our 7 year old daughter and 8 year old son - on the Sunday before NYC pride. And what day was that? Father's Day! (whoops!) But what occurred not only demonstrated how I am raising awareness but also the importance of community, allyship and how far we've come. This planned 6-person family party turned into an afternoon affair with family friends dropping by with their children. This Rainbow Party pride event was so important to our straight friends that they incorporated taking time to celebrate pride in their families Father's Day celebration. What an impactful and meaningful day not only for the kids but for me!
What advice would you share for the next generation of LGBTQIA+ leaders?
Highlight LGBTQIA+ members of your community and in your companies. Give them the opportunity to tell their stories; amplify them. And if someone in your world has a story to share but is not willing to say it, ask if they will write it and give it to an ally to read for them anonymously. Inviting an ally to read someone else's words is so close to allowing them to walk a mile in their shoes.
LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanelliottbocassi
June is observed annually as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in memory of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City on June 28, 1969. The co-lab is honored to celebrate alongside the LGBTQIA+ community by recognizing the remarkable progress that has been made since Stonewall and the contributions, achievements, and influence the community has had within our industries and communities. We also take this time to acknowledge and stand in solidarity with the ongoing fight for equal justice and opportunity. As articulated in our DE&I statement, the co-lab unwaveringly stands for equity and inclusion and condemns racist, discriminatory and hateful acts of any kind.
In celebration of Pride Month and elevating LGBTQIA+ identifying voices, we are highlighting some of our wonderful LGBTQIA+ co-lab members on our Instagram @jointhecolab and on our website.
To learn more about LGBTQIA+ history, the LGBTQIA+ experience or organizations that are driving positive change towards a more equitable future, please explore our resource library. This is not a comprehensive list, and if there are additional resources that you believe would be helpful, please email us at info@jointhecolab.com.
– the co-lab DIVERSITY COUNCIL
