At Indeed Flex, we wholeheartedly believe that we are one team strengthened by our uniqueness. A crucial aspect of this belief means ensuring that everyone can bring their whole self to work and being proud of who they are. Growing up this was not always the case for me, it took years of getting to know myself, to not feel ashamed of how I was born, and to love myself. Now, I can say that I am proud of being openly gay, and for those who are still struggling, it truly does get better and brighter. To honor Pride Month, we asked our internal employees to express what Pride means to them. Here’s what some of our Indeed Flex family had to say:
Carlos R., Finance Operations Manager
Love is Love! – I leave you with a quote from Lin Manuel’s Tony sonnet that has resonated with me over the years and has fueled me to love more:
“We lived through times when hate and fear seemed stronger;
We rise and fall and light from dying embers, remembrances that hope and love last longer
And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside…Now fill the world with music, love and pride.” – Lin Manuel
Joshua A., Senior Software Engineer, Frontend
Pride is the opposite of shame. We are proud because many of us felt shame for who we are. Pride month is about connecting with people you know will accept you, it’s about being visible, enjoying yourselves, being authentic, being you, with your chosen friends and family. It’s also a time to educate those who don’t know about the LGBTQIA+ rainbow, in a nice and kind way; with colour and glitter and sparkles. But there’s a serious undertone too: trans people are experiencing record levels of transphobia, fascism is on the rise around the world, people are still killed for being part of this community. We must do better, raise our voices, be visible.
Michelle H., Project Manager
As a fierce LGBTQI+ Ally, Pride for me is remembering the importance of the history of Pride, why we celebrate and the challenges that our friends, colleagues and family members faced. It’s about educating ourselves and learning from our communities colourful history and celebrating the bright inclusive future we are all paving the way for. The LGBTQI+ community has always been a massive part of my life and I’m very proud and grateful to be part of it. Happy Pride Month
Karrine M., Team Leader
Pride to me means that my children can walk without fear in their own skin, regardless of who they choose to love or choose to be.
Alejandro D-M., Recruiter
I can’t tell you how much Pride means to me… I can say that we celebrate Pride season at home and go to multiple events: Los Angeles, West Hollywood, San Diego, Long Beach, Las Vegas…
We do this because we live out and proud. We stand on the shoulders of giants like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson. It’s easy to fall victim to generational amnesia. Pride for me is about celebrating this amazing queer life and remembering where we came from and where we want to be. It’s about valuing our space in this society. It’s about happiness. Heading into this Pride month, we are seeing companies participating in performative allyship, and our LGBTQIA+ siblings being attacked by harmful legislation and violent vigilantism. For 2023 Pride, we are focusing on advocacy, allyship, and taking up the space we deserve. We are going to celebrate, and we are going to march. We are going to call on our allies to not be silently complacent. More than ever, this Pride is about amplifying our voices.
This Pride Month, take the opportunity to reflect on what Pride means for you, your friends/family, and your colleagues. And if possible, partake in a Pride celebration in your hometown. You will see how fun and full of love these events are.
