Why & How Webfor Supports Pride & The LGBTQIA+ Community

For those who do not identify as LGBTQIA+, June is just another month of the year. But for those of us who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, June is a month full of celebration, reflection, and gratitude. This year, pride looks a little (or a lot) different. COVID-19 has prohibited large gatherings, including festivals like Portland Pride. Instead, the events are being held virtually. 

This year, we wanted to take the time to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ coworkers, clients, community, friends, and family.

What is Pride?

You’ve heard about the parades around the country in honor of Pride month, and you’ve seen the rainbows lining the aisles of Target throughout June. But why do we celebrate Pride? Pride month is a celebration of the accomplishments that came out of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. According to the Library of Congress:

“The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.”

Virtual Pride 2020

Due to COVID-19, this year’s Pride events are looking a little different — they’re all going virtual. Locally, Portland Pride took place throughout June with several different streams and virtual parties. First up was a video of the Portland Pride Parade in 1999, which served as a fun way to look back at Pride of the past. 

Why Does Webfor Support Pride?

At Webfor, our vision is “Inspiring people and brands to grow, while creating positive ripple effects in our communities.” That growth and those positive ripple effects do not end with career accolades; they encompass personal growth and positivity as well. We believe celebrating diversity is just one way we can adhere to living out our vision.

Representation in Marketing

Beyond the Webfor doors, we believe in holistic representation, especially in marketing. When choosing images for a website or social media, it’s important to include people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and all the unique identities that make our world a beautiful place. When individuals see themselves represented in marketing materials, they feel a sense of belonging and validity that creates an emotional connection between the brand and the individual. This connection supports trust and comfort in the brand as well.

How Does Webfor Support Pride?

We support Pride and, more importantly, the LGBTQIA+ community in many ways throughout the year. From hiring talented LGBTQIA+ individuals to our non-discrimination policies, we do our best to support and protect our LGBTQIA+ employees. We also donate to local organizations supporting and assisting the LGBTQIA+ community. Last year, we donated to the Queer Youth Resource Center (QYRC). This year, we donated to the Washington Black Trans Task Force.

What are some other ways businesses can show support for the LGBTQIA+ community? Drop your answers in the comments section below, or on our social media!