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LGBTQ Pride Month is Not a Cake Walk

    No Comments June 12, 2018

    The month of June commemorates LGBTQ Pride Month, in reflection of the Stonewall Riots, which occurred in June 1969. The Stonewall Riots sparked when the NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn, an establishment that catered to LGBTQ clientele.  Shortly after the beginning of the Civil Rights era, the LGBTQ community gathered to voice against their oppression in society. 

    Gay Pride was not born of a need to celebrate being gay, but more about the right to exist in society without persecution.  The LGBTQ community’s acceptance in society has celebrated incremental victories 49 years after the Stonewall Riots: 

    • [2012] Barack Obama was the first U.S. President to publicly support marriage equality, with a handful of states allowing legalization of same-sex marriage. 
    • [2010] Soldiers in the U.S. Armed Forces are able to serve openly with the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” 
    • [2009] Congress passed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act which protects LGTBQ and other historically discriminated identity (race, sex, religion or nationality) motivated crimes.

    Despite these victories, there have been setbacks for the LGBTQ community. Earlier this month (June 2018), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case.  This court case stemmed from a bakery owner in Colorado refusing to place an order for a wedding cake for a same-sex marriage based on the owner’s religious beliefs.  The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Masterpiece Cakeshop in a 7-2 decision on the basis of religious neutrality.

    Will religion always be an obstacle for the LGBTQ community?  This is yet to be determined.  Last month news reports featured a gay man sharing his story where Pope Francis told him, “It doesn’t matter. God made you like this. God loves you like this.”  Publicly, Pope Francis stated “Who am I to judge?” in reference to the LGBTQ community.  The Advocate (LGBTQ publication) named Pope Frances “Person of the Year” for his tolerant position on gay and lesbians.

    Religion and Sexual Orientation are subjects that cannot be ignored in the workplace. Currently, the State of Texas is one of 30 states that has no comprehensive legal protection against firing someone or refusing them service because they are LGBTQ.  Despite the state not formalizing LGBTQ rights in the workplace, the SHRM RGV Chapter 390 has placed diversity in their scope of interest.  It’s important to have a work environment that encourages productivity and acceptance.  If you can’t be your authentic self at work, how productive and happy can you be?

    In an effort to officially demonstrate inclusion in the workplace, the SHRM RGV Chapter 390 will have a volunteer presence at the Pride in the Park event at the McAllen Convention Center on Saturday, June 23rd.  For those wishing to demonstrate not just tolerance but acceptance of the LGBT community, details about this event are below:

    Event: Pride in the Park: Pride Power (An LGBT Music & Arts Festival)

    Location: McAllen Convention Center (Indoors)

    Date: Saturday, June 23, 2018

    Time: 3pm – 10pm

    Cost: $5 Admission, Children under 12 – Free Admission

    If your workplace wants to publicly showcase support for the LBGT Community, the GLBT Chamber Foundation is offering free “LGBT WE Zone: Welcome Everyone” decals.  You can order your decal at https://form.jotform.com/62838485036161 .

     

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