Post: Pride, Progress & People: Why this still matters

Pride, Progress & People: Why This Still Matters 

Each year, Pride gives us a moment to reflect, celebrate, and recommit. It’s colourful and vibrant, yes, but it’s also deeply personal. This year, I had the opportunity to speak at a Pride event within GridBeyond, and I wanted to share a few thoughts from that talk – about the history of Pride, why it still matters, and how we can continue breaking down the stereotypes that still surround LGBTQ+ identities. 

Where It All Began? 

Many people associate Pride with parades, rainbows, music and joy, but fewer know where it began, or why. 

In the 1960s, being LGBTQ+ was criminalised in most of the U.S. LGBTQ+ people were regularly harassed, arrested, and pushed to society’s margins. The Stonewall Inn in New York was one of the few places where LGBTQ+ people, especially drag queens, trans individuals and homeless gay youth could gather safely. 

On June 28, 1969, a police raid on the Stonewall Inn sparked something different. Instead of staying silent, the community pushed back. Protestors led by people like Stormé DeLarverie, a Black lesbian stood up and said “enough.” What followed was six days of protest that became the foundation of the global Pride movement. 

The first Pride marches happened one year later, in 1970. They weren’t just celebrations – they were acts of courage and defiance. And that spirit still lives on today. 

Why Pride Still Matters? 

So, if things have improved – why do we still need Pride? 

Pride is not just about the past. It’s about the present and the future. 

Pride has evolved from a protest to visibility, celebration, and activism. But that doesn’t mean the work is done. 

When I was younger, I thought Pride was just a parade. Glitter, rainbows, music and dancing. But over time, I heard other stories: 

• Someone afraid to come out at work 

• A young person bullied until they dropped out of school 

• A friend who couldn’t come out to their family, not because they weren’t proud, but because they weren’t safe 

That’s when it clicked: Pride isn’t just a party. It’s a response to challenges that exist today. 

LGBTQ+ people still face challenges – many of them invisible to others. Pride is about visibility where there’s silence, community where there’s isolation, and courage where there’s fear. 

And yet, we still hear the same myths: 

• “It’s just a trend” 

• “You can tell who’s queer by how they look” 

• “You don’t look gay” 

Someone once said that to me – “You don’t look gay.” I remember thinking, what does that even mean? Do I need to act a certain way, wear glitter, or fit into someone else’s idea of what queerness is? 

This is exactly why Pride is important: it breaks that idea. It says you don’t have to look, love, or live a certain way to be valid. 

• It tells people no one should have to hide who they are to be safe, loved, or accepted 

• It tells people every kind of love is worth celebrating 

• It tells young LGBTQ+ people: You are not alone 

• It reminds allies and institutions: The work isn’t done 

• It creates a space for joy, love, and unapologetic authenticity 

• It means being yourself and not explaining yourself 

Breaking Down the Stereotypes 

Despite all progress, we are still battling misconceptions and harmful stereotypes, and they show up everywhere. These messages subtle or loud shape how people see us, and sometimes, how we see ourselves. 

Like: 

However, I know LGBTQ+ professionals who are thriving across every industry – what holds people back isn’t who they are, it’s the bias they face. Workplaces thrive when people feel safe to be themselves. Diversity isn’t a distraction, it’s a strength. 

Or 

However, the research doesn’t support that. Children raised by LGBTQ+ parents do just as well. What matters most is love, safety, and support, not rigid roles. LGBTQ+ families are real families and they’ve been building them for generations. 

And the classic: 

However, many LGBTQ+ people lead fulfilling, grounded lives with or without the picket fence. They want what everyone else does: comfort, love, safety, and a space to be themselves. 

LGBTQ+ people are introverts, extroverts, quiet, loud, shy, bold, and everything in between. There is no “one way” to be LGBTQ+. 

“I’m not really into the party scene that people often associate with LGBTQ+ culture. I prefer smaller gatherings with close friends, movie nights, or game nights. My social life is about quality over quantity and meaningful connections. 

At home, my fiancé and I live with our dog, and we enjoy travelling, watching Netflix having a few beers, listening to music and playing online quizzes or board games together – a pretty simple life. We’ve built a comfortable life that’s really about the simple things that make a house a home. 

But that’s the point. There is no one way to be LGBTQ+. Pride helps break down these stereotypes by showing real people, living real lives, not like checkboxes that some members of society expect. Just people with joy, freedom and love. 

I don’t need to wear glitter to be proud. I’m proud in my hoodie, on the chair at home, next to the person I love. 

That’s what Pride means to me: 

• It honours those who fought for our rights 

• It celebrates the full spectrum of identity 

• And it creates a space for joy, love, and unapologetic authenticity 
  

What Pride Looks Like at GridBeyond? 

At GridBeyond, I’ve been proud to be part of a workplace that makes space for conversations like these, where identity isn’t hidden, and inclusion is lived, not just stated. 

Whether it’s supporting colleagues, recognising the power of visibility, or holding space for honest stories, Pride at GridBeyond is about making sure everyone feels safe to be who they are. No labels, no expectations – just people. 

Thank you to everyone at GridBeyond who shows up, not just in June, but every day to create a space where we all belong. 

How You Can Show Up? 

Want to support Pride in meaningful ways and not just in June, but all year round? 

Here are a few ways to be an ally: 

1. Listen – give LGBTQ+ people the space to share their experiences without assumptions, interruptions, or judgment 

2. Educate yourself – explore resources, ask thoughtful questions, and seek out perspectives – don’t rely on others to educate you 

3. Speak up – when you witness bias, exclusion, or inappropriate comments – your voice matters 

4. Celebrate diversity – recognise and uplift the diversity around you, not just during Pride, but every day 

Join the team 

Are you passionate about making a difference and contributing to a forward-thinking, inclusive workplace? At GridBeyond, we are always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our values and are eager to be part of a dynamic team that values diversity and equity. Learn more about what it’s like to work at GridBeyond here.  

Visit our careers page to learn more about current openings and how you can be a part of our exciting journey! 

#GridBelong  

Want to be part of our team? Find out more and check out our careers here.

Blog written by James Dean, Business Analyst at GridBeyond

7 May 2025

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