Spotlight: Celebrating Pride Through Events

Erin Zimmerman

What does pride mean to you?

Showing pride offers a comfortable and safe space for everybody and allows you to be your authentic self.

Why is it important to celebrate pride?

Pride recognizes the accomplishments of the gay rights movement and celebrates the culture of the LGBTQ community. It is a space and time where others are more aware of their own behaviors and how supportive they are or are not of our communities.

Can you explain a few events you are working on for pride?

The Facebook AR/VR Employee Experience Events Team has partnered with its internal Diversity teams and put together a number of activations for all to enjoy and celebrate as one.  All Facebook employees are welcome to join its internal Workplace group for weekly informational Pride posts, invitations to Cheers Queers, a weekly Pride virtual happy hour, and the upcoming Rainbow Virtual Bingo, hosted by a Seattle drag queen the end of the month.

How can others support the LGBTQ Pride Events?

I’ll make this short and simple.  Be there for one another.  Support one another.  Listen to one another.  Love one another.

Jason Cotnoir

What does pride mean to you?

To me, Pride is a yearly reminder of all of the LBGTQ people that came before me who sacrificed, fought, and worked for the rights that I have as a gay man today. Pride is our opportunity to come together to honor their memory, to celebrate love in all forms, and to focus on the continued work of equality for all.

Why is it important to celebrate pride?

Those is a position of privilege should use the power of their voice to speak for those without one. With every Pride parade I’ve marched in, unknown to me is a pair of eyes that sees me and understands simply by my being present, that it is OK to be yourself.

Can you explain a few events you are working on for pride?

In addition to the series of weekly posts our team produces highlighting pivotal moments in LGBT history, we host a yearly Pride Bingo event that this year has gone virtual. Hosted by a local Seattle drag queen, we create an inviting atmosphere for people to come together through playful competition with an opportunity to speak about why we celebrate Pride.

How can others support the LGBTQ Pride Events?

With city-wide Pride events having been suspended, cancelled, or moved to a virtual platform in 2020 because of the global health crises, in my opinion, this year is about listening to our community and educating ourselves the many social issues that we face today… both within and outside the LGBTQ community.