Dear Colleagues,
As a member of the LGBTQ community and an HR leader, I have spent much of my career advocating for marginalized communities and that felt right and seemed like enough. But the events over the last few weeks have opened my eyes to why intersectionality matters now more than ever. My community would not be where we are today if it were not for the efforts and courage of Marsha P. Johnson, Bayard Rustin, Phill Wilson and countless other Black LGBTQ pioneers.
Author and self-described feminist and lesbian, Audre Lorde, once said, “I write for those…who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified, because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We’ve been taught that silence would save us, but it won’t.” Silence will not save us, and silence will not enact change.
Join Enspira in honoring and celebrating the LGBTQ community all month long, with particular emphasis on the intersectionality of being Black and LGBTQ. While PRIDE month won’t include the usual celebrations due to COVID-19, it is still filled with love, pride and compassion for our incredible, diverse communities.
I encourage more LGBTQ individuals to have the freedom to bring their whole selves to work and life, which includes not being afraid to show great pride for the one you love as I do for my fiancé, Andrew. It is important for all of us to help create a safe and secure environment for those willing to be open about sharing their LGBTQ identities.
I also hope everyone will continue self-education on the history of the LGBTQ community, why intersectionality matters, and how you can show your PRIDE virtually this year. Please be sure to use hashtags #pride2020 #justicefortonymcdade and #blacklivesmatter.
Thank you,
Kurt (Serrano) Landon
CEO, Enspira
