What Pride Means to Me: Celebrating Identity and Belonging at TTEC
by
6/2/2021
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on June 2021 and has been updated to reflect the latest information and insights as of June 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Pride is rooted in the courage of those who came before us, from Stonewall onward, and remembering their sacrifices deepens our appreciation for the progress we enjoy today.
- Practice everyday inclusion. Small, intentional actions — like using the right pronouns and supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations year-round — build a culture of respect and belonging.
- Champion visibility and share your story. When people feel safe to be their authentic selves, everyone thrives, so use your voice to help build a world where everyone belongs.
Pride month is a celebration of life within the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride means more to me than waving a rainbow flag and joining the street parties. It is about embracing my true, authentic self, recognizing the diversity in others, and promoting inclusiveness in the workplace and society.
The History Behind the Celebration
Today, we celebrate Pride with a month full of parades, parties, and a whole lot of rainbows from shirts to flags. Michael, a Canada teammate, recently reminded me how important it is to recognize the sacrifices of the previous generations that showed their Pride publicly. It laid the groundwork. He believes we have more appreciation for where we are today when we pay our respects to those that came before us.
Pride is a commemoration of the unrest in New York City that happened at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969. When patrons of the Stonewall Inn pushed back against police harassment, they sparked a movement that changed the world. That act of resistance gave the LGBTQIA+ community a rallying point, and from there, visibility and equality began to grow across the globe.
While some countries are lagging, the LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way in gaining mainstream acceptance and the civil liberties enjoyed by so many today. We have seen same-sex marriages and civil unions happen, laws being passed to end sexual orientation discrimination, and even openly gay, lesbians, and transexuals being allowed to serve in the military.
Pride is Visibility
What is the meaning of Pride month? GLAAD defines it as an annual recognition which provides “an opportunity for the community to come together, take stock and recognize the advances and setbacks made in the past year. It is also a chance for the community to come together and celebrate in a festive, affirming atmosphere.”
At TTEC, Pride Month means amplifying our culture of belonging. We recognize the courage, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and honor the progress made toward greater inclusion while acknowledging there is still work to be done. During Pride Month, we celebrate the diverse voices and experiences that enrich our culture and strengthen our teams. By embracing differences and creating spaces where everyone can thrive, we help build a workplace—and hopefully, a world—where belonging is not something people have to earn, but something they can expect every day.
Pride is about accepting individuality and promoting everyone’s visibility in our society. It is when we form a safe space where each one of us can thrive and are assured that no one has to live in fear. We share a responsibility to be respectful of where everyone is in their journey of self-discovery.
The Power of a Pronoun
Want to make a small difference in just the life of one other? For those of us that self-identify in the LGBTQIA+ community, simply using a pronoun that fits my identity is a show of respect and understanding. Unsure? Ask.
It might not be a grand gesture but knowing that you recognize someone’s preference is a step towards inclusion and visibility. It took a while for me master this technique, but it works the magic, and it helps me foster respect with the person I am interacting with.
When people ask me, I’m happy to share with them that my preferred pronouns are he/him/his. I often indicate this on my profile to make it easier for others to understand how I want to be addressed.
A Few Practical Tips for Getting It Right
- Add your own pronouns to your email signature, social profiles, and meeting introductions — it helps normalize the conversation for everyone
- If you make a mistake, correct yourself quickly and move on; there's no need to over-apologize, simply do better next time
- Ask in a relaxed way: "What pronouns do you use?" is a perfectly natural question
- Advocate on your team for pronoun-inclusive introductions in meetings and onboarding
Showing Up for the LGBTQIA+ Communities
Want to get even more involved? We can show our Pride and lift each other up through volunteer work or donating to organizations that we hold near and dear. There are dozens in every community across the globe.
At TTEC, employees worldwide participate in pride marches and support organizations through various initiatives. There are also Pride job fairs and parties being held.
I encourage you to reach out to an organization or non-profit in your community supporting LGBTQIA+ causes.
Your Story Matters, Too
Pride Month is an ideal time to reflect on your own values and share them. Whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community or someone who stands alongside it, your perspective has value. Share your story and talk about what inclusion means to you. Start a conversation on social media, in a team meeting, or over coffee with a colleague.
Use your voice and your reach. Be part of the larger conversation about what it truly means to belong.
Because Pride isn't just about one community. It's about all of us, choosing — every single day — to build a world where everyone gets to be themselves.
Ready to Be Part of the Conversation?
Share what Pride means to you on social media and tag your community. Your story could be exactly what someone else needs to hear right now.
And if you're looking for ways to go deeper, whether that's understanding allyship, fostering inclusion on your team, or supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations — start with one small step. That's how movements are made.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on June 2021 and has been updated to reflect the latest information and insights as of June 2026.
Join us and thrive
Your next opportunity starts here. Whether you're actively searching or simply exploring what’s next. our Talent Community connects you with opportunities that align with your goals.