Before, During and After Pride Month, All are Welcome
June is Pride Month, established over 50 years ago and celebrated today to recognize and support LGBTQ+ family, friends, colleagues and the community at-large.
As a member of Acadia’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, Rainbow Alliance, I celebrate Pride Month in the belief that every person should be their true self in all aspects of life. My story is both uniquely mine and also one shared by many others. I married and had a family, two sons who are the joy of my life. I came out as a gay man later in life, and I recently married my partner, Tim. My journey has taught me many things: that inclusion is vital in every setting, that truly seeing those who are under-recognized provides opportunities to learn and grow, and that when acceptance replaces judgment, we create an environment of inclusion.
When Acadia established resource groups for employees, I wanted to make sure that LGBTQ+ had a face, a voice in the organization – a safe place for people to come together, whether they identified as LGBTQ+ or were aligned to it. With the Rainbow Alliance, we have that representation. It has been amazing especially to have all the ally support we have.
Acadia is committed to inclusion and creating an environment where people can be authentic. I feel fortunate to work with a progressive company where people can bring their whole self to work.
I have family and great friends from diverse backgrounds and we offer each other mutual support. I joined the Rainbow Alliance because I wanted to see that support within Acadia and ensure that the same opportunities are available to everyone.
Support for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Acadia runs deep. Whether it’s family or a friend or someone we love or care about, every person has valuable contributions to make. When we create a work environment of inclusion where everybody is welcome, people can see themselves represented and they want to work there.
We all bring something to the table here at Acadia. Knowing that everyone is welcome at the table makes our impact even more meaningful.
At Acadia, our diversity, equity, and inclusion journey is built on our culture of curiosity and belonging. When we can bring our whole selves to work, we can bring our best selves to work. When each Acadian has equitable access to opportunities and both professional and personal supports, we are more resilient and innovative. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I love how Acadia celebrates Pride Month and supports our Rainbow Alliance ERG.
Learn more about the history and stories behind Pride Month.
Author
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Robert Bell
