At The Nashville LGBT Chamber, we work all year to promote equality in the workplace. June’s Pride Month is when a lot of businesses highlight their efforts to support their LGBTQ+ employees, customers, and the broader LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ equality, visibility and inclusion matter all year. Here are some easy ways that every business can celebrate Pride in June and every other month.
Understand and Acknowledge the History of Pride
The modern Pride month is celebrated in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots on
June 28, 1969. The Stonewall Riots were a flashpoint in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights which fueled a movement that led to Pride Parades and celebrations around the world.
Buy from LGBTQ+ Businesses
No matter the type of business you run; you have suppliers. Are any of your suppliers LGBTQ+ owned? Use the directory on the website, NashvilleLGBTChamber.org to find LGBTQ+ owned businesses that can help supply your business. Our chamber and other affiliate chambers of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce certify LGBTQ+ owned businesses. Want to get your business certified? Just visit our website.
Display Your Open & Equal Nashville LGBT Chamber Membership Sticker
All Chamber members receive a sticker declaring their membership and that their business is “Open & Equal.” Get your sticker by becoming a member today.
Highlight Your Efforts on Social Media
Do you highlight your Pride efforts on your social media channel? Do you take pictures of your team at the Pride Festival or in the Pride Parade? Ensure visibility at your business by highlighting your efforts and people engaging in Pride activities on your social media.
Support LGBTQ+ Events All Year
Millennials, Generation Z and Generation Alpha want to know what their companies stand for in their communities, whether they’re considering making a purchase or applying for a job. An easy way to show
you support equality and the LGBTQ+ community is to support local LGBTQ+ events throughout the year. Have a booth at your local Pride Festival. Middle Tennessee has many to choose from! Nashville Pride, Murfreesboro Pride, Franklin Pride and Nashville Black Pride are all great options.
There are other organizations that host big events for the community, including the Nashville LGBT Chamber’s Annual Pride in Business Awards, HRC Nashville’s Annual Gala, Nashville Care’s Dining Out for Life and many more. Buy tickets, buy a table, donate to the auction, be a sponsor!
Whatever level you can support, just do it. You’ll find employees that work harder because they’re seen and accepted and loyal customers who support businesses that support them.
There are many other ways you can bring Pride into your business throughout the year. If you need help, reach out to the Nashville LGBT Chamber and we’ll help you find the right way for your business.
Happy Pride!
Nashville LGBT Chamber
@NashLGBTCC
