Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, remember and honor those who have been lost to violence and discrimination, and show that being proud of who you are is something to be celebrated.

It is important for companies to be mindful of the need for these events because they can have a positive impact on the company’s culture and offer the opportunity to take steps towards inclusion.

For employees, Pride work events are one of the best ways to celebrate everyone’s individualism and identity. They are an opportunity for employees to feel empowered in a safe space and dive into the history of Pride Month. Whether you are a large conglomerate working in an office or a small startup with remote employees spread around the world, these Pride work events will help you champion diversity and inclusion at work.

1. Hosting an LGBTQ+ themed event

2. Creating an LGBTQ+ resource library

3. Pride Month trivia

4. Watch party

Hosting an LGBTQ+ themed event

Hosting an LGBTQ+-themed event with your team not only promotes diversity and inclusion but also offers a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate your support for the LGBTQ+ community. One effective approach is organizing an event that celebrates the rich history and remarkable journey of the LGBTQ+ community. There are various engaging options to consider, such as hosting a vibrant drag show or organizing an evening dedicated to queer cinema. Alternatively, you can create a more interactive experience by designing a workshop specifically tailored for your employees.

A drag show can be an exhilarating and empowering experience for everyone involved. It showcases the artistry, creativity, and talent within the drag community while breaking down barriers and challenging gender norms. By inviting drag performers to showcase their skills, you provide an opportunity for education and appreciation of drag culture, as well as fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and acceptance.

Another option is to organize an evening of queer cinema, featuring films that explore LGBTQ+ themes and narratives. This event can create a space for emotional connection, empathy, and understanding. Choose a diverse selection of movies that represent a wide range of queer experiences and perspectives. Prior to the screening, provide some background information about each film, including relevant historical or cultural context. This can enhance the viewing experience and facilitate post-screening discussions. See more details about hosting a watch party below.

For a more interactive event, consider creating a workshop focused on LGBTQ+ awareness and inclusion. This can be facilitated by knowledgeable guest speakers or experts in the field. The workshop can cover a variety of topics, such as LGBTQ+ history, terminology, allyship, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces. By offering such educational opportunities, you empower your employees to deepen their understanding of LGBTQ+ issues and provide them with practical tools to foster a more inclusive work environment.

Whichever type of event you choose, ensure that it is thoughtfully planned and aligned with the values and goals of your organization. Collaborate with LGBTQ+ employee resource groups or local community organizations to gain insights, advice, and support in organizing the event. This partnership will not only ensure authenticity but also foster a sense of collaboration and shared ownership.

Remember to approach the event with sensitivity and respect. Prioritize the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Actively seek feedback from your team throughout the planning process and incorporate their input to create an event that is inclusive, respectful, and meaningful.

Creating an LGBTQ+ resource library

Today, the need for an inclusive workplace has never been greater. In an era where diversity and equality are key pillars of progress, it is essential for managers to take proactive steps in ensuring that their teams have access to the necessary resources and tools that foster inclusivity. As a manager, one of the fundamental ways to support your team is by building a comprehensive library of LGBTQ+ resources.

Creating a library of LGBTQ+ resources serves as a tangible and visible demonstration of your commitment to inclusivity. It shows that you value the diverse identities and experiences within your team and are dedicated to providing support and resources for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This library can encompass a wide range of materials, such as books, articles, videos, podcasts, and online platforms, all aimed at educating and empowering individuals to better understand LGBTQ+ issues.

To initiate this initiative, collaborate with your Employee Resource Group (ERG) dedicated to LGBTQ+ matters. By involving the ERG, you ensure that the library's contents align with the specific needs and interests of the LGBTQ+ community within your organization. Seek their input and guidance in curating a diverse collection that covers a broad spectrum of topics, including LGBTQ+ history, identities, challenges, and successes. This collaborative effort will not only foster a sense of ownership and pride within the ERG but also enable them to contribute their expertise and knowledge.

Once the library is established, promote its existence and accessibility to your entire team. Create awareness by organizing workshops or training sessions that introduce the library's contents and encourage individuals to explore and utilize the resources available. Emphasize that the library is a safe and supportive space, where individuals can access information, find answers to their questions, and gain a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ issues.

It is crucial to regularly update the library's resources to ensure relevance and comprehensiveness. Stay informed about the latest developments and advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, emerging perspectives, and evolving terminology. Consider organizing regular feedback sessions or surveys to gather input from your team, allowing them to suggest new resources or offer insights on the library's impact.

Pride Month Trivia

Pride Month presents a perfect occasion to celebrate and embrace diversity within the workplace. One impactful way to demonstrate your support for the LGBTQ+ community is by organizing a Pride Month trivia event with your team. This engaging activity allows everyone to participate, learn, and have fun while raising awareness about LGBTQ+ history, culture, and important issues.

When planning the trivia, consider creating a diverse range of questions that cover various aspects of LGBTQ+ history, milestones, notable figures, and achievements. Incorporate questions that delve into the cultural contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting significant events, movements, and symbols. By designing a well-rounded set of questions, you encourage team members to expand their knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the community's rich and diverse heritage.

To ensure an inclusive and respectful trivia experience, be mindful of the language used and the sensitivity of the topics discussed. Promote a safe and inclusive environment by setting clear guidelines that foster respect, empathy, and open-mindedness. Encourage participants to approach the trivia with a willingness to learn and engage in meaningful discussions.

Consider incorporating a collaborative element into the trivia format. Divide your team into smaller groups and encourage them to work together to answer the questions. This fosters teamwork, strengthens relationships, and allows individuals with varying levels of knowledge to contribute and learn from one another. It also creates an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported.

Provide opportunities for learning and discussion during the trivia event. After each question, share additional information, facts, or anecdotes related to the topic. This not only enhances the educational aspect of the event but also encourages participants to delve deeper into LGBTQ+ history and current issues.

You can also offer incentives or prizes to add excitement and friendly competition to the trivia. Consider LGBTQ+ inclusive prizes or donations to relevant organizations as a way to further support the community and show your commitment to the cause.

After the trivia event, provide resources for further exploration. Share a list of recommended books, films, podcasts, or websites that delve deeper into LGBTQ+ history, culture, and advocacy. Encourage team members to continue their learning journey beyond the event and engage in ongoing discussions about LGBTQ+ issues.

Watch Party

A watch party presents a delightful and engaging opportunity to celebrate Pride Month alongside your team, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience. Consider selecting a movie or TV show that either features a queer narrative or boasts LGBTQ+ individuals on the creative team, as this can amplify the celebration and educational aspects of the event. By organizing such an occasion, you provide employees with an avenue to expand their understanding of LGBTQIA+ history, culture, and current events in an enjoyable and relaxed setting.

When choosing the film or show, consider diverse options that represent a wide range of queer experiences, identities, and voices. Look for narratives that explore different aspects of LGBTQ+ lives, such as personal journeys, social struggles, triumphs, and love stories. By selecting diverse content, you ensure that multiple perspectives are highlighted, fostering empathy and understanding among team members.

Before the watch party, provide some context about the chosen movie or show. Offer a brief introduction to the themes, characters, and any relevant historical or cultural context. This can be particularly valuable if the content touches on important milestones or events in LGBTQ+ history. Encourage participants to approach the watch party with an open mind and a willingness to learn, fostering an environment of respect and curiosity.

During the event, create opportunities for discussion and reflection. Pause the movie or show at strategic moments to facilitate conversations about the characters, their experiences, and the broader themes depicted. This interactive approach allows team members to share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue. It also encourages a deeper exploration of LGBTQIA+ topics, promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of the community.

After the watch party, provide resources for further exploration. Share a list of recommended readings, documentaries, or websites that delve deeper into LGBTQ+ history, culture, and activism. This empowers employees to continue their education independently and to engage in ongoing discussions beyond the watch party.

Celebrate Pride Month with an event from Bar None Games

If you’re not sure where to get started, check out Bar None Games for great inspiration on activities to commemorate Pride Month and more.