We cultivate a culture where all feel welcomed, safe, respected, empowered and celebrated. In keeping with those commitments, we are excited to celebrate PRIDE in our Kansas and Missouri communities.
June marked 52 years since the Stonewall Uprising in New York City: a historical event in LGBTQ+ history. Stonewall Inn was a bar patronized by the local gay, lesbian and trans community. Police raided the establishment and assaulted and arrested its patrons on multiple occasions. On June 28th, 1969, the patrons fought back. The uprising sparked a strong international movement for LGBTQ+ rights and liberation. This movement followed decades of liberation work done by Black Trans women and Black lesbians. The first PRIDE parade occurred on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, and parades continue to be a large part of the celebration. This year there is a particular focus in our country's LGBTQ+ community to defeat the anti-trans legislation being proposed in almost every state, and the ongoing violence LGBTQ+ communities face worldwide.
Honoring PRIDE, a communication was sent in June to all team members with LGBTQ+ video, social media leaders, book, movie and podcast recommendations. And, in August, we joined the Kansas City community's PRIDE celebration by hosting a booth at the KC PRIDE Fest Community Fair and organizing an informal social meet-up.
In our ongoing effort to offer support, ally-ship, professional learning and knowledge growth for clients, children and families, we have organized a LGBTQ+ affinity group. This group is led by Dr. Chad Harris, chief development officer, and Sarah Gray, foster care case management manager. It offers a broad range of support for internal and external audiences alike.
"I am really excited to see what the Cornerstones PRIDE affinity group will achieve through both personal support and professional advocacy work in our organization. Our LGBTQ+ team members are innovative and have so much to offer, and now we have a collective voice to enact positive change, not only for ourselves but also for our LGBTQ+ clients and the allies who are working alongside us." shares Sarah.
The PRIDE affinity group has been meeting virtually every Thursday to collaborate on supporting team members, children and families. As the work of the affinity group evolves, the goal is to have one meeting a month held for those team members who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community and the second meeting of the month to be focused on ally-ship.
A diverse environment isn't sustainable without a culture of inclusion that genuinely welcomes all individuals for who they are and encourages success in the workplace. We are committed to sustaining an environment where all lived experiences are celebrated.