Pride Month is a time dedicated to uplifting, celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. This month is typically filled with Pride parades, drag brunches and plenty of rainbow gear. But how can we celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community without rainbow washing?
This is especially important for companies to consider. When employers are disingenuous with their diversity initiatives, it shows. In fact, 44 percent of surveyed LGBTQIA+ employees feel that they were only hired to hit diversity goals, according to data from HR consulting firm Veris Insights; another 65 percent stopped pursuing an employer because of a lack of representation within the company.
However, there are ways employers can authentically include and support LGBTQIA+ employees. Many companies have stepped up to the plate by matching donations to LGBTQIA+ organizations, providing consistent programming for employees and offering educational space for LGBTQIA+ people and allies alike.
These two companies show their commitment to LGBTQIA+ employees by doing all this and more. Plus, they ensure LGBTQIA+ programming and initiatives are prioritized throughout the year, not just for the month of June.
Built In Seattle sat down with Warner Bros Discovery and DoubleDown Interactive to learn about how they embrace, celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ employees all year long.
Warner Bros Discovery is a global media and entertainment company that’s been creating movies and games for 100 years.
What activities are Warner Bros Discovery coordinating for Pride Month?
As a business resource group (BRG) chapter of WBD, we’re planning social events like a joint party for both NYC chapters, a Trans T(ea) Time, which is a combination of high tea and our monthly coffee hang out, and Drag Bingo.
On the educational side, we’re hosting a Rainbow Parenting panel to discuss experiences as an LGBTQIA+ parent or parent of an LGBTQIA+ child. We’re also hosting an AMA (Trans Pride Edition), which will provide a safe space for people to ask questions about the trans and gender non-conforming community. There will be smaller break-out rooms, each led by volunteer team members to help answer questions and guide discussions with participants.
Also, with the success of our BRG book club, we’re collaborating with DC Comics to host a Pride-themed book club. Those who sign up will be given access to the DC online platform, where they can read as many LGBTQIA+ led DC comics as they’d like. Warner Bros Discovery will also be marching in Pride marches across the country.
How does Warner Bros Discovery support and empower the LGBTQIA+ members of your team?
Warner Bros Discovery’s mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space for people to be their authentic selves, and also to encourage continued growth and education for those in our community.
Warner Bros Discovery’s mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space for people to be their authentic selves.”
Lockdowns and quarantines left people feeling isolated, so we’re taking a page out of the LGBTQIA+ community’s book by prioritizing consistent programming for people to come together and make new social connections.
We’re also focused on helping as many people understand what’s happening in the political and social worlds outside of the walls of our offices. With anti-trans and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and violence on the rise nationally and globally, we encourage members to be vocal and educate those around us to galvanize support against violence and hateful rhetoric.
Beyond the month of June, what are some examples of ways Warner Bros Discovery supports or advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community?
Our BRG board is currently prioritizing consistent programming, including our monthly Coffee’s On Us event, where we sponsor tea and coffee and provide a space for members and allies to meet up and hang out.
We also host a trimester LGBTQIA+ themed book club. We vote on books from a list we’ve compiled that feature queer characters, themes or intersectional authors. This helps us continue to support representation while encouraging learning about others in a medium that’s self-paced. The book club also provides time to chat with others, and discussions always lead to understanding new perspectives.
As board members of Pride, we also encourage necessary updates to work processes like onboarding, employee handbooks and other resources needed by our community members and those that manage them. We are fierce advocates for our members and other LGBTQIA+ coworkers at Warner Bros Discovery, and are proud to be so.
DoubleDown Interactive is a gaming company specializing in casino games and mobile game apps.
What activities are DoubleDown Interactive coordinating for Pride Month?
For years, DoubleDown Interactive has celebrated and shown support to the LGBTQIA+ community by hosting an annual Pride Bingo event where we raise donations for a local LGBTQIA+ organization. To participate, team members show proof of their donation to our Pride Committee in exchange for a bingo card(s) and every year we pick a different organization to support.
This year we are thrilled to share that all donations received, including DoubleDown Interactive company matched donations, will go to Gender Justice League. To make the event educational and even more special, we are excited to welcome Cookie Couture as this year’s MC. We are also proud to partner with and show support to the Human Rights Coalition by providing HRC Pride swag to all team members.
How does DoubleDown Interactive support and empower the LGBTQIA+ members of your team?
It really starts with our recruitment process. We are in a creative industry which brings with it specific talent. How we recruit, initial conversations, and allowing every candidate and then team member to bring their whole selves to the company is essential.
Fostering an inclusive environment where individuality is expressed is important. We spread awareness and understanding of equity and inclusion with our teams through our membership with Greater Seattle Business Association, the WA LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce. We also talk about the importance of Pride, share resources and encourage team members to show support. Additionally, we practice inclusivity and share with employees how they can celebrate on their own.
Fostering an inclusive environment where individuality is expressed is important.”
Beyond the month of June, what are some examples of ways DoubleDown Interactive supports or advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community?
To start, we recognize the importance of how each person identifies, and encourage the use of pronouns. It is important that we come together as a community. We place value on supporting diverse communities and value how that brings different perspectives and experiences to our people and organization.
Throughout the year, we show support not only to local LGBTQIA+ owned businesses, but also BIPOC and women-owned businesses as well. We also offer a paid volunteer benefit where each team member can select an organization of their choice to be involved with at the level they are comfortable with. We are proud to support and be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community in many ways.
