A conversation with our Pride Network
Energize your pride this June – and beyond
June is Pride Month and is a time to affirm, celebrate, and show support for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and to reinvigorate our allyship. Diverse perspectives drive innovation, inspire creativity, and that authenticity and acceptance create a meaningful and empowering work environment – which is why it’s important to hear from folks in the community and allies alike.
We chatted with members of our Pride Network about their experiences in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, what they’re doing to keep connected with community, and what allyship looks like in action.
Here’s some of what they shared with us:
What do you do to energize your pride?
“Being the co-chair of the BC Hydro Pride Network gives me a lot of energy for advocacy work. As I share my story at presentations to groups across the company it gives me a chance to hear from our diverse workforce and learn about what people need. That’s something we can all do to respect our colleagues and members of our community. Increasing visibility of our employee resource group allows 2SLGBTQIA+ employees, consultants, and contractors know that they belong in this organization, that we’re here to support them, and to have fun together. When I hear that people are staying at BC Hydro or joining the company because of the Pride Network – that energizes my Pride!” – Deb L.
“I travel with other 2SLGBTQIA+ women and attend as many pride events as possible. I’ve travelled to Seattle and Whistler to experience more than just Vancouver pride. I’ve been to Dinah Shore in Palm Springs for the largest annual music festival for 2SLGBTQIA+ women. I’ve been to Mexico with Olivia Vacations (the leading travel company for 2SLGBTQIA+ women) and it was a master class experience in building community. I left feeling so uplifted and connected after making a whole new community of friends from all over North America”. – Juliet I.
Can you speak to a time when someone has taken an action or tangible step to make a difference for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community? What does allyship look like in action?
“After a long work day, I invited a colleague to grab a drink. The place was packed so we sat at the bar. Soon enough we had a conversation with the person beside us, but I started to feel uncomfortable because he said “this is so gay” a number of times and was making derogatory remarks.
Usually, I’m the kind of person who always stands up for myself, but in that situation I couldn’t, and I can’t explain why. My colleague showed her allyship by standing up for me. She interrupted them and said, “I don’t like when you say, ‘this is so gay’, could you please stop saying that?”.
I looked at my friend and gave her a big smile -- I felt so happy at that moment. Then I got the courage to turn to the person and say, “by the way, I’m gay and you’re making me uncomfortable”. They apologized, we changed the subject and when we went to pay, to our surprise, the person had paid our bills.
Often people don’t know their casual remarks are hurtful, but at least this person realized their mistake and tried to make amends. What stuck with me after that encounter was how important allyship is, and if it wasn’t for my colleague I would have been feeling miserable that day.” – Danubio A.
“One of my friends collaborated with transgender personal trainers to organize a fitness charity event in English Bay where the event fees were donated to a 2SLGBTQIA+ charity. It connected many of us in the community including people outside of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and it allowed me to show my authentic self with confidence to any other people.” – Shinya H.
What do you do to feel connected to your identity and community?
“I kicked off Vancouver Pride Parade last year with Dykes on Bikes and had a blast riding my motorbike with other queer women, waving flags, and enjoying the big event with everyone. I’m also part of a couple of queer specific meetup groups which have helped me build community. I feel welcome in these groups where I’ve built friendships, and enjoyed fun activities together. It’s helped to normalize being queer in our world today.” – Juliet I.
What does representation mean to you, and how do you feel shown up for in the workplace?
“Representation means responsibility and care for my community. If I hide who I am in my workplace it’ll impact other people in my community and younger generations. I need to show my own identity so that other, younger generations will feel comfortable sharing their identities too. – Shinya H.
We’re celebrating pride across the province
June is Pride month and with that comes a series of fun community events. Our Pride Network members will be participating in these upcoming events:
Fort St. John Pride Walk – June 3, 2023
Prince George Pride Parade – June 3, 2023
Hudson’s Hope Pride Farmer’s Market – July 4, 2023
Vancouver Pride Parade – August 6, 2023
Learn more about the Pride Network
Our employee-led Pride Network is made up of members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies. They work toward providing a safe, inclusive space to connect, network, share experiences, and build relationships through events and education. The network's proactive advocacy focuses on creating a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work.