June 2025

The Stories We Carry: Why Pride Matters

Across the country, from big cities to small towns, people come together for Pride Month to celebrate the strength, diversity, and amazing contributions of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

But Pride isn’t just a season of celebration. It’s a reminder. A reminder of the courage it takes for so many to live openly every day. A reminder of the stories and lives that have shaped this movement. And a reminder of the role we each play in making our world more inclusive.

When we asked our colleagues what Pride means to them, we hoped for many voices, but only two people responded. At first, we wondered if we’d missed something, but we realized that silence also tells a story.

For many 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, sharing their identity at work—or anywhere—can still feel risky. Even in 2025, even in inclusive workplaces, the fear of judgment, rejection, or simply being misunderstood is real. And that’s exactly why Pride matters.

The two stories we received were raw and deeply personal. They reminded us that being an ally isn’t about speaking over others—it’s about carrying the stories of those we love, especially when they can’t speak for themselves.

One colleague shared the story of a cousin who died of AIDS more than two decades ago. He was gay, and at the time, his identity was met with shame and rejection by nearly his entire family.

“If he were alive today, he wouldn’t have had to live so deeply in the shadows,” wrote our colleague. “I’m grateful that in my lifetime, we’ve come far. We still have a long way to go, but the progress we’ve made has already changed so many lives for the better.”

The second story came from someone whose nephew is currently transitioning from woman to man. For years, he carried the fear of not being accepted—of letting down the people he loved most. But when he finally came out, his family responded with love, support, and a willingness to learn.

“Since coming out, there’s a light in his life that shines brighter than before,” shared our colleague. “He’s thriving, surrounded by love and support. I’m so proud of him.”

The first story reminds us that Pride is not just about celebration—it’s about remembering. Remembering those who lived in the shadows, who were denied dignity, who never got to see how far we’ve come. It’s about honouring them by pushing for a world where no one has to hide who they are.

“I have to believe that we can move to a place where all people can look at every single human as equal and not have opinions on another person's happiness and choices,” adds our colleague.

The second story is one of hope, showing what happens when people choose love over fear, compassion over confusion. It highlights how important family and community are in helping someone live as their true self.

“Are the struggles done? Probably not. There are so many who do not or will not accept people for who they truly are, which is sad,” concludes our colleague.