World LGBTQUIA+ Pride Day (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (transsexual and transvestite), Queer, Intersex, Asexual and more) is celebrated on June 28, a date that commemorates an episode that occurred in New York in 1969. On that day, people who frequented the Stonewall Inn bar, a place frequented by the LGBTQUIA+ community, reacted to a series of police raids that were frequently carried out there. The uprising against the police persecution of LGBTQUIA+ people lasted two more nights and, the following year, resulted in the organization of the 1st LGBT pride parade (previously adopted acronym), held on July 1, 1970, to commemorate the episode. Today, Pride Parades take place in almost every country in the world and in many cities in Brazil throughout the year.
The month of June is marked by several actions that seek the inclusion of the LGBTQUIA+ community, which is often marginalized from collective spaces, such as universities and the job market. Awareness campaigns, discussions about diversity and public policy proposals usually drive the month of June. However, the date and month should serve as a collective reinforcement of the importance of rights for this community.
Companies play an extremely important role in encouraging and contributing to a more equal society. They are capable of raising debates, offering opportunities and equalizing rights. Several companies associated with the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) work to make society and the labor market more inclusive and diverse.
According to Businessweek, 37% of Gen Z are willing to pay more for products from companies that support LGBTQIA+ initiatives. In relation to Millennials, this number is 27%. However, it is not only LGBTQIA+ causes that the younger population cares about. Issues of race, women's rights, immigration, working conditions and the environment are also important to this segment of the population when choosing a brand to buy from.
There are several examples of how companies have been working towards equal opportunities, regardless of the nationality, sexual orientation and gender identification of employees. With the aim of showing initiatives focused on inclusion, equity and diversity and inspiring more companies to be diverse and inclusive, CEBDS launched the ebook on International LGBTQIA+ Pride Day “Breaking Walls and Building Bridges: Business Initiatives for Inclusion, Equity and Diversity”.
The publication is the result of two editions of Quebrando Muros, a CEBDS project that provides a space for dialogue between companies and society, which addressed the topic. The videos, in full, can be accessed here and here. The ebook is a compilation of narratives on how to make the work environment diverse and inclusive and how it is possible to increase productivity and company profits by respecting individualities, generating a sense of belonging among employees.
