{"id":4527,"date":"2020-06-28T16:22:02","date_gmt":"2020-06-28T23:22:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intuitblog.com\/?p=4527"},"modified":"2024-03-13T09:43:45","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T16:43:45","slug":"pride-in-a-virtual-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/blog\/social-responsibility\/pride-in-a-virtual-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Pride in a Virtual World"},"content":{"rendered":"

At Intuit, maker of <\/span><\/i>TurboTax <\/span><\/i><\/a>and<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>QuickBooks,<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u00a0we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to prosper. We are proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community around the world. Together with Pride.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Last year around this time, the Pride Employee Resource Group celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riot and how <\/span>Pride has always been more than a parade<\/span><\/a>. We used this historical event as a reference to shed light on how Pride Month allows the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, to find connection, visibility, validation, and rejuvenation during June. We historically have found ourselves participating in celebrations, community outreach, service, and increased media opportunities to inform, advocate, and raise concerns of the long list of work that still needs to be done in order for our community to experience the same joys of life and civil rights that many still do not have or realize. Although this year looks differently with canceled or postponed events, it’s more clear than ever that PRIDE IS MORE THAN A PARADE.<\/span><\/p>\n

The LGBTQ+ community in a virtual world<\/strong><\/p>\n

As news unfolded about COVID-19, many of us found ourselves feeling unexplained isolation, fear or anxiety. For our community, however, this created new concerns of how we would stay connected. Many of us are dependent on the community for support, connection, and being in the company of the family we have chosen as we may not have the same support from our biological families. Many found themselves without the ability to get that hug, or share a laugh or meal; essential roots of belonging.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhile we can\u2019t celebrate with each other in real life, that energy will still be in the ether as we celebrate virtually. I\u2019m looking forward to connecting with my chosen family,” said <\/span>Abigail Braceros<\/span><\/a>. “It’s a radical act to celebrate our love and joy right now and the timing is much needed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, individuals who have survived and navigated the stigma still associated with HIV\/AIDS are hearing their names called out again as individuals of concern, and in early health-related conversations, more likely to contract COVID-19 if exposed. Folks within our trans community were having to scramble to ensure they would have access to necessary medications and treatments to remain healthy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the ability to connect with one another face to face changed, (Pride parades and celebrations), we rose to the occasion and reimagined how to stay connected as a community, and ERG, in a virtual world. Not only did we implement wellness checks through our employee messaging platform, our team came together and created offerings in four categories: Education\/Awareness, Safe spaces for conversations, Physical\/Creative Activities, and Entertainment.<\/span><\/p>\n