Say it with Pride: Vonage Recognizes Pride Month

The Origins of Pride Month

Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots that started on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. This incident is largely recognized as a catalyst for the LGTBQIA+ movement for civil rights in the United States.  

A year later, the Stonewall Uprising was commemorated with the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, where participants marched from Greenwich Village to Central Park. This march was New York City’s first Pride March, attracting a crowd that grew to the thousands as it moved along. Now, the annual New York City Pride March draws a crowd in the millions between onlookers and participants.  

Reflecting on Pride Month, Rachelle Bonilla, Senior Graphic Designer shared, "Pride Month is important not only as a joyful expression of true authenticity but also as a time to remember those who fought to get us to where we are today and the work we still have to do to secure the hopes and freedoms of future generations of LGBT+ people." 

V+Pride Employee Resource Group

V+ Pride is an Employee Resource Group at Vonage working to increase the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community while providing a forum where people can socialize, learn and share their experiences in a safe environment. 

Over the last year, V+ Pride has held events to educate, entertain and foster a sense of community among team members. "I think that watching the young generation simply accept everyone - not because they are “ok” with it but because they understand that it's not up to them to “be ok” with how someone else identifies. I mean, how great is that - a generation that simply accepts when someone identifies as LGBTQIA+," said RoseMarie Franklin, Director Domestic Tax.

Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community

This month is about teaching acceptance, equity, pride in LGBTQIA+ history and that we all can show pride in who we love, especially when you reflect that not everyone in the world has the chance to live and love while being out and proud. Allies championing the LGBTQIA+ initiatives and movement are welcomed in the fight against homophobia and transphobia. 

Dori Cerulo, Senior Director, Content Marketing, said, “As an ally, being wildly vocal about my support is the most effective way I can contribute to the LBGTQIA+ community.” 

There are so many ways that to support the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether it’s through supporting policies to help protect the LGBTQIA+ community or even speaking up when offensive statements are made. Always remember to take the time to educate yourself, there are many LGBTQIA+ non-profits, articles and resources available where you can learn more about the community to help you become a better-informed ally. Even taking the time to learn LGBTQIA+ terminology is a way to show your support. 

Join us in recognizing Pride Month by learning more about LGBTQIA+ history, culture, achievements and supporting the community, however you can.