Committed to compassion - Pride at 1-800 Contacts
1-800 Contacts has always emphasized treating others with respect and kindness. To celebrate inclusion, compassion, and equality we asked our associates, “What does Pride look like through your eyes?” We’d love to hear your thoughts in our comments as well.
Chris K., Marketing Associate
I started participating in pride about 8 years ago. I was a nervous wreck the first time I went to the Utah annual pride parade and festival, I had no idea what to expect. What I experienced was truly something special, I felt nothing but love and support from everyone I encountered. From watching the parade with family and friends and seeing the different groups/businesses showing their support by marching, to walking through the festival and seeing the amazingly creative performances, shops, food, and people. From start to finish there was such overwhelming positive energy. I have gone every year since with an ever-growing group, as it has become one of the best times of the year! #Pride2020
Austin B., Social Media Associate
When I think of pride, my first thought is always love. It’s the only time in the year where simply walking on the streets, amongst rainbow flags and love not hate signs, evokes a sense of belonging. Pride month might only be 30 days in the summertime, but when you’re queer, it’s a 365 day obligation to be proud of who you are and love yourself. It’s so much easier to see the love during pride month, but if you take a second look every now and again, you’ll see that same love any day of the year.
Ben J., Training Coordinator
Pride to me is a beautiful celebration of all the light, happiness, and love I enjoy now that I’m living my life authentically. Pride reminds me not only in June, but always, that I’m valid — and honestly, that’s the only thing I wanted for the first 21 years of my life. I’m so, so glad I found it.
Shea S., Liingo Associate
To other people pride might look like a month full of color and joy, which it is, but it means so much more. I see pride as an appreciation of the queer people who came before me who made it possible to live my life exactly as I am. It is a time to celebrate all the queer people in my life that I look up to and admire. Pride is a statement of the togetherness of our community, and a representation of our diversity. But I also see it as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles our community still faces, and to give queer people a platform to have their voices heard. Pride is important step forward for all of us.
Thanks to our associates for sharing!
We have contributed to the Human Rights Campaign for five years and consider their organization a landmark for LGBTQ+ progress. You can get involved by making a donation directly to them anytime, any amount is celebrated. Below is a list of resources for LGBTQ+ people and their family and friends.
The Trevor Project
Crisis management and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth under 25 over the phone, by text, or chat as well as a social networking platform.
Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest organization working to achieve equality for LGBTQ+ Americans.
National Center for Transgender Equality
Their mission is to replace disrespect, discrimination and violence against trangender people into empathy, opportunity, and justice.
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
Emphasizing the intersection of social justice and the field of mental health, NQTTCN looks to provide people of color with providers that understand their diverse backgrounds and achieve transformative healing justice.
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
PFLAG is the largest family and ally organization, founded on a simple act of kindness in 1973, when a mother voiced support for her gay son.
GLAAD
An even more comprehensive list of LGBTQ+ resources from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, just in case we missed anything.
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