ITS PRIDE MONTH!

This week marks the start of PRIDE Month. What does this mean for you as an entrepreneur, community member, and individual.

Pride month is an opportunity to reflect on how your business can support and empower the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s a chance to ensure your business practices are inclusive and to contribute positively to economic justice. Here are three ways you can do this:

1. Inclusive Hiring Practices: Is your staff diverse? Does it reflect an inclusive environment. This includes creating a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. 
2. Partner with LGBTQIA+ Organizations: Do you know your local LGBTQIA+ organizations and support their initiatives? 
3. Inclusive Marketing: Use your platform to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices and stories that highlight the community.

As a member of the community, supporting the LGBTQIA+ community is vital for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Here are three ways you can do this:

1. Education and Awareness: Educate yourself and others about LGBTQIA+ history and the issues the community faces.
2. Support Local LGBTQIA+ Businesses: Actively support LGBTQIA+ owned businesses by shopping with them and promoting their products and services. 
3. Advocate for Equality: Use your voice to advocate for policies and practices that promote equality and non-discrimination.

On a personal level, being an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community involves both learning and taking action. Here are three ways you can support the community:

1. Show Solidarity: Think about how you can show your support in visible ways. This can help LGBTQ+ individuals feel seen and supported.
2. Listen and Learn: Engage in conversations with LGBTQIA+ individuals and listen to their experiences.
3. Speak Out Against Discrimination: Whenever you witness discrimination or hear derogatory comments, stand up and speak.

At the Women's Business Center, we pride ourselves on our mission of economic justice by empowering those who otherwise would not have the resources or who have historically suffered and are making up for lost opportunities and time. Let’s celebrate the sacrifices of our LGBTQIA+ community and support them especially this month.

Want to learn more about our WBC Resources, check out our calendar or see some classes below.