Using Pride as an Opportunity to Protest and Inspire Change
Interviews
"Pride will always be a protest as we work to reclaim the spaces we are often denied, vocalize the issues we face both locally and globally, and demonstrate unwavering solidarity within our community".
Tomas Hull, Talent Acquisition Operations Manager at The Trade Desk, spoke to myGwork about his passion for creating inclusive and diverse spaces at work. He also described why it's important to view Pride not just as a festival or celebration, but also as a protest for LGBTQIA+ rights across the world.
Please introduce yourself and tell us about yourself and career.
Hello, my name is Tom, and I recently joined The Trade Desk as a Talent Acquisition Operations Manager in early 2023. With a passion for fostering inclusive workplaces, I'm excited to contribute my expertise in talent acquisition to promote diversity and support LGBTQIA+ individuals.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is in every moment that I connect with the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s in every moment that I express myself authentically, whether that’s holding my partner’s hand in public or just listening to my mum natter away to him in the next room. It’s in moments where who I am isn’t just tolerated, but valued, celebrated, and loved. It’s the connection of queer joy that was once a mere hope in the past. Pride as a protest, as a rally, as a day or month, is about coming together with our community and our allies. It’s a HUGE mental boost that provides me with the energy to continue to fight for equality throughout the year.
Why do you think Pride is important?
Pride is most importantly a rallying point in the year to address the ongoing injustices faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide. Over the past decade, we have witnessed a viscous political regression, which poses significant challenges to the progress we had painstakingly made towards equality. It has become crucial for us to amplify our message and increase our visibility as real people, not merely as abstract concepts subject to debate. Pride provides us with an opportunity to rally together, to stand firmly in solidarity, and to demand the rights and respect we deserve from society at large.
Do you think Pride is still a protest?
Yes! Pride had to be fought for – symbolized by milestones beginning with the Stonewall riots and the subsequent global LGBTQIA+ movements. It emerged as a result of our community’s brave fight against oppressive governments and societal norms, especially during challenging times like the AIDS crisis. While governments and corporations may now extend their support of Pride, it remains a grassroots movement that cannot be led by external entities.
Presently, we are witnessing governments and corporations turning the other way as the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community intensify. Therefore, Pride will always be a protest as we work to reclaim the spaces we are often denied, vocalize the issues we face both locally and globally, and demonstrate unwavering solidarity within our community. While government and corporate support is welcome, it should be seen as complimentary to the grassroots core of the LGBTQIA+ movement.
What advice would you give to someone attending Pride for the first time?
For anyone attending Pride for the first time, I would offer the following advice: Turn up in a way that feels authentic to you. You might not be the loud sort or the dancing type, and that's perfectly fine. Pride welcomes and appreciates everyone, regardless of their individual expression. However, it is crucial to respect one another. Avoid trying to stifle or challenge someone's self-expression, choice of clothing, or overall demeanour. If their actions bring them joy and don't harm others, why should it be an issue?
While Pride is undoubtedly a joyful occasion, it is not a festival. You will certainly see people celebrating their individuality through fantastic outfits and lively displays. Recognize that those present at a Pride celebration face greater risk in expressing their identity on a day-to-day basis. Appreciate that you are participating in an intimate expression within our collective community – and please mind the gawking! Keep the atmosphere light and joyful, respect people's boundaries, and approach everyone with love and support.
How can we keep the momentum for LGBTQ+ equality going all year long?
We can maintain the momentum for LGBTQIA+ equality by continually engaging in self-education and reading, listening, and learning from LGBTQIA+ siblings, academics, and writers. We should explore LGBTQIA+ history and challenge our individual biases and perspectives. This not only enriches our understanding and personal well-being, but also equips us to become more proactive allies to all members of the community. Whether in our workplaces, conversations over dinner, or during less mainstream Pride protests that address the struggles faced by marginalised community members, our combined efforts will help ensure a safer and more inclusive world for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Remember, you count and your voice counts!
What can organizations do to support LGBTQ+ people outside of Pride month?
Pride and its purpose extend beyond a single day or month. It requires sustained commitment and energy from allies showing up consistently, rather than chasing the floats and hashtags. For better or worse, what organisations and individuals say and do has a real-life impact on how people in the street will interact with LGBTQIA+ individuals. Organisations can start by ensuring inclusivity is embedded in their practices, from inclusive advertising and social media representation to inclusive policies and workplace environments. Regular assessments of company performance in LGBTQIA+ inclusivity is essential, along with a commitment to ongoing improvement.
Organisations should also consider the impact their clients or stakeholders have on the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring they do not inadvertently contribute to inequality. Another meaningful way to offer support is by partnering with or providing financial support to grassroots charities, LGBTQIA+-owned businesses and social spaces that consistently need help.
What are you hopeful will be achieved for LGBTQ+ equality next?
Where to begin?! There is much to hope for regarding LGBTQIA+ equality. In the U.K., I hope to witness greater autonomy for the trans community. The introduction of new hurdles in the legal and healthcare systems has caused unnecessary distress and suffering for trans individuals. In addition, I hope for an end to the toxic, sensationalized, and frankly dangerous media coverage surrounding trans issues.
In an ideal world, we would see an end to the progressive erosion of LGBTQIA+ protections and human rights across the board. From nations with the death penalty or life imprisonment for homosexuality, to countries where transphobic and homophobic policies are gaining traction, we urgently need a global turnaround that respects and uplifts all LGBTQIA+ individuals.
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