OUTiversary: A Decade Later

10 ways to celebrate Pride Month virtually during COVID-19.

Throwback to Ryan's 2019 "OUTiversary"

This weekend meant so much to me. I had a “speech” prepared, basically ended up winging it, and got to thank my family and closest friends for being with me at the start of the journey.

Last year, I took a trip to Florida and celebrated a “10-year OUTiversary.” It was recognition of what catapulted my ongoing journey of self-discovery that is my “coming out.” Whether you identify with the LGBTQ+ community or seek to be an ally, coming out as your authentic self, championing for the marginalized, and seeking to spark hope and change for diverse communities — this is something we must continually push for ourselves.

During Pride Month and all year long, let’s recognize and celebrate the differences that make us unique. I hope this list will encourage you to recognize, champion, and support the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.

1. Download and share a virtual care package from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

Everything from resources for inclusive learning at home with the little ones to video messages of hope, a special Spotify® playlist, and food recipes – this virtual care package is a great place to kick off Pride Month.

2. Support LGBTQ+ journalism by subscribing to local or national publications.

Now is the perfect time to explore LGBTQ+ media that chronicles the past and examines what’s coming next. Subscribe to local publications (maybe read it on your e-reader!) or check out national publications like Advocate or OUT.

3. Stream videos at home to discover the colorful history of the LGBTQ+ community.

There are many streaming services, such as Netflix, with LGBTQ+ documentaries, providing excellent context for understanding the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Consider movies like: "Paris is Burning," "How to Survive a Plague," "The Queen," and "A Secret Love."

4. Take a virtual Pride Brunch Break with Out & Equal.

Register for this free webinar on June 15 and represent your company by wearing your favorite Pride-themed gear. Out & Equal will facilitate virtual opportunities for participants to share stories of belonging and pride in the workplace.

5. Download virtual meeting backgrounds and update your social media profile frames.

Pride is never cancelled. Express your pride – even in the virtual world of work – and check out these Pride-themed meeting backgrounds from Out & Equal.

6. Learn about names and pronouns.

Nothing may be more personal than the way in which people refer to us through our name and pronouns. Download HRC’s “Talking About Pronouns in the Workplace,” and consider adding pronouns to your email signature. It’ll go a long way. Example:

FirstName LastName

Title, Department

Company

Pronouns: He/Him/His

W: 123.456.7891

C: 123.456.7891

E: firstname.lastname@company.com

7.  Give a meal to first-responders to show appreciation as they put their lives on the line.

Through the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, along with Austin, Houston, and San Antonio Chambers, ChamberCares helps healthcare workers and first-responders, while also supporting local restaurants who are verified LGBT Chamber Member restaurants. All donation levels are welcome and are tax deductible.

8. Haven’t tried Gay Bingo yet? Try it virtually!

With Dallas Resource Center, join for an hour of comedy, drag performances, and fun on Saturday, June 20 – all while supporting the Dallas Resource Center, providing resources to the LGBTQ+ community in North Texas.

9. Join one or all sessions of a virtual Pride webinar series with Human Rights Campaign.

This four-week series, starting Tuesday, June 2 at 3pm EST, will take a look at the history of Pride; explore how corporations became supporters; examine ways to leverage networks through times of uncertainty; host dialogues with multi-generational employees from various industries on transforming workplaces to be more inclusive; and discuss global efforts for workplace inclusion.

10. Gear up for AIDS/LifeCycle’s first-ever virtual experience.

AIDS/LifeCycle, the world’s largest charity event in the fight against HIV & AIDS, was forced to cancel due to COVID-19. But the critical needs of the Ride’s beneficiaries remain the same. Download the schedule for AIDS/LifeCycle @ HOME (May 31 – June 6, 2020).