Beyond a celebration, recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride is more important than ever

June is LGTBQ+ Pride month. All month long, cities across America are coming together to celebrate their lesbian, gay, trans, and queer brothers and sisters. Stratacomm celebrates its LGBTQ+ employees, clients, family and friends, but beyond that, I’d like to take a moment and explain why Pride matters, even into 2019.

Fifty years ago, on June 28, 1969, police raided a popular gay dance club called the Stonewall Inn. The events that followed went down in history and became a beacon shining light on the injustices that were happening to gay, lesbian and trans people. The next year, simultaneous gay pride marches were organized in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. By 1972 participating cities included Atlanta, Buffalo, Detroit, Washington, D.C., Miami, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

It’s clear that things have changed from 1969. Today, Pride lasts an entire month. Many municipalities hold their own local celebrations. Most Pride parades have shifted into a family-friendly show of inclusiveness and support. Companies create targeted ads or develop partnerships designed to support the LGBTQ+ community.

It seems like Pride month has gone mainstream. And that’s a good thing.

When cities, companies and everyday people step up to show support for Pride month, they’re showing the rest of the world they’re an ally. As this Fortune article explains, “When a corporation takes a position as an ally, they make it safe for employees, customers, investors, partners, and others who might otherwise be on the sidelines to make the same choice. Yes, it’s good for business. But it’s also just…good.”

So happy Pride month, everyone. I hope that you can take this time to recognize the LGBTQ+ people in your life and reflect on how far we’ve come as a nation compared to where we were. 

Jessie LeTarte is an account executive in the Detroit office. She’s currently waving the rainbow flag and waiting for season 2 of HBO’s Gentleman Jack.