5 Ways to Celebrate Pride Month Virtually
June is PRIDE MONTH! This year, like the last few, Pride events may look a little different. While in-person Pride Parades and Pride celebrations are making a comeback, Pride Month virtual events are already in the works.
Why Plan Virtual Events for Pride Month?
Because of the increase of hybrid and work-from-home models, and a desire to increase accessibility, many Pride organizations are planning at least some virtual events to accompany their in-person ones. The Equality Institute and Human Rights Campaign both have virtual line-ups.
For workplaces, Pride should be a key month for diversity, equity, and inclusivity initiatives. Many businesses now have at least some, and maybe all, of their workforce working remotely. This alone makes virtual Pride Month activities more important than ever.
Celebrate Pride Month Virtually With These 5 Ideas
With that in mind, here are a few virtual Pride Month ideas that you can try this year:
Pride Virtual Backgrounds
Social Media Hangouts
Virtual Film Festivals
Share Your Pride Playlist
Virtual Pride Events for your Workplace
Pride Virtual Backgrounds
Does your business use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or a similar platform? If so, try a Pride Month virtual background initiative. Get folks to raise the rainbow flag, or pictures of their favorite LGBTQ+ celebrities from TV shows, music, or films. If everyone plays, nobody needs to feel self-conscious about showing their Pride.
Social Media Hangouts
Set up opportunities for folks to gather on social media, or via Zoom for Pride-themed social events. Try a Queer Book Club (HRC has a reading list), or a Drag Queen Story-time, like this beautiful moment from the Human Rights Campaign.
Maybe throw your own virtual pride parade, where you can help show your local LGBTQ+ Community some support.
Virtual Film Festivals
Since everyone is online, find (or plan) a virtual LGBTQ+ Film festival. There are tons of good movies to pick from, ranging from educational to affirming. Get everyone to watch the same films and discuss. Create a forum where folks can share their favorite films with one another.
Share Your Pride Playlist
There is so much great music that can help when celebrating pride month virtually. Find a playlist (like this one from Elle), or make your own. You can even host a virtual dance party in celebration of LGBTQ+ people everywhere. Not only would this be a great way to have fun with your colleagues, but a dance part is also an effective stress reliever, leading to a more relaxed workday for your team.
Virtual Pride Events for Your Workplace
Our favorite idea is to plan and host virtual Pride events in your workplace.
SHRM explains that “Training employees to recognize and eliminate discrimination in the workplace is important for every employer, and updating the organization's presentations to cover LGBTQ individuals is essential to provide equal opportunity to all employees.”
There are many good virtual DEI options, like guest speakers or shared readings. We really love a good virtual Pride Month trivia party!
A virtual Pride Month event, like the trivia party hosted by Bar None Games, is a wonderful way to combine your company’s DEI initiatives with a fun and inclusive event. At these events, the host can feature a range of material such as:
Music
Celebrities
LGBTQ+ history
Profiles of leaders in the LGBTQ+ movement
These trivia events are educational and are all about equal opportunities, just like SHRM suggests, and they are also incredibly fun and bound to bring your team together in new ways.
You can create and host your own trivia game (check out this blog post for inspiration for your Pride Month trivia questions and answers!), or turn to the help of a professional team building company like Bar None Games.
How to Plan and Host a Virtual Pride Month Event
Let’s explore the key steps to organizing a successful virtual Pride Month event that fosters a positive environment, educates employees, and spreads the love.
Step 1: Planning the Event
The first step to hosting a virtual Pride Month event is careful planning. Here are some key considerations:
Determine the event format: Will it be a one-time webinar, a series of workshops, or a month-long initiative? Decide on the most suitable format for your workplace.
Set the event goals: Clarify the purpose of the event. Do you want to raise awareness, promote allyship, or provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ employees? Align the event goals with your organization's values.
Create a budget: Allocate resources for guest speakers, performers, decorations, and any additional elements required for the event. Keep in mind that virtual events often have lower costs compared to physical ones.
Form an organizing committee: Assemble a diverse team to plan and execute the event. Ensure representation from different departments, including LGBTQ+ employees if possible, to incorporate varied perspectives.
Step 2: Building an Engaging Program
To make your virtual Pride Month event a memorable experience, focus on creating a well-rounded program:
Educational sessions: Arrange informative sessions on LGBTQ+ history, rights, and current issues. Invite guest speakers or collaborate with LGBTQ+ organizations to provide valuable insights.
Employee stories: Encourage LGBTQ+ employees to share their personal stories or experiences through pre-recorded videos or live presentations. This can foster empathy and understanding within the organization.
Workshops and training: Conduct interactive workshops on LGBTQ+ inclusion, allyship, and pronoun usage. This promotes a more inclusive work environment and helps everyone feel respected and valued.
Virtual entertainment: Organize live performances, such as music, spoken word, or drag shows, to infuse energy and celebration into the event. Collaborate with local LGBTQ+ artists or performers to support the community.
Step 3: Promoting Employee Engagement
A successful virtual Pride Month event requires active participation and engagement from employees. Here's how to ensure involvement:
Spread the word: Create an internal communication campaign to build anticipation for the event. Utilize email newsletters, intranet announcements, and company-wide meetings to share event details and generate excitement.
Encourage virtual volunteering: Organize opportunities for employees to contribute to LGBTQ+ charities or engage in virtual community service. This demonstrates the company's commitment to social responsibility.
Pride-themed competitions: Hold contests such as LGBTQ+ trivia games, art challenges, or costume competitions. Recognize and reward the winners to make the event more interactive and fun.
Virtual networking opportunities: Facilitate virtual networking sessions where employees can connect, share experiences, and build relationships. Use breakout rooms or virtual platforms to create small group discussions.
Step 4: Maintaining Inclusivity and Sensitivity
While planning your virtual Pride Month event, it's crucial to prioritize inclusivity and sensitivity:
Language and pronouns: Encourage the use of inclusive language and provide guidance on pronoun usage. Create resources or share existing ones to ensure everyone feels respected and acknowledged.
Accessibility considerations: Make the event accessible to all employees. Provide closed captions or transcripts for videos and presentations to accommodate individuals with hearing impairments. Ensure that virtual platforms used for the event are accessible and compatible with assistive technologies. Additionally, consider offering alternative formats or accommodations for employees with visual impairments or other accessibility needs.
Respectful dialogue: Emphasize the importance of respectful dialogue and open-mindedness during the event. Create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their opinions and asking questions. Establish guidelines to prevent any form of discrimination, harassment, or disrespectful behavior.
Cultural sensitivity: Recognize and respect the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. Avoid making assumptions or generalizations and be mindful of cultural differences. Consider incorporating elements from different cultural celebrations or perspectives to ensure an inclusive experience.
Step 5: Post-Event Reflection and Support
After the virtual Pride Month event concludes, it's essential to reflect on its impact and provide ongoing support:
Feedback and evaluation: Gather feedback from participants to assess the success of the event. Use surveys or feedback forms to understand what worked well and areas for improvement. This information can help shape future events and initiatives.
Continued education and resources: Offer resources, articles, and educational materials related to LGBTQ+ topics to further educate and engage employees beyond the event. Maintain a resource library or a dedicated webpage with relevant information for easy access.
Employee resource groups (ERGs): Consider establishing or supporting LGBTQ+ ERGs within the organization. These groups provide a platform for employees to connect, support one another, and advocate for positive change.
Long-term commitment: Demonstrating ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion goes beyond Pride Month. Implement policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the year. This ensures a lasting positive impact within the workplace.
Hosting a virtual Pride Month event for your workplace is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, foster inclusivity, and promote a culture of acceptance. By following these steps, you can create an engaging and informative event that educates employees, encourages dialogue, and strengthens connections. Remember, it's not just about the event itself but the lasting impact it can have on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. Let's come together, celebrate Pride Month, and continue to build a workplace that embraces and uplifts all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.