The Pride community has come a long way. It shines brighter than ever before. I often think of the LGBTQIA+ community as a gem. We know that gems take a long time to form, often under tough conditions. Similarly, the community has shaped over the years and has made much progress, withstanding the test of time. And just like gems that shine after they are crafted, we too are now beaming across with our wondrous light.
The presence of various LGBTQIA+ communities has strengthened visibility, representation, solidarity, awareness, and advocacy, for Pride members and allies. These communities have also enabled collaboration with other Inclusion & Belonging networks such as those focused on women, generational diversity, ethnicity, neurodiversity, mental health, etc.
Over time, these I&B networks have worked together —often through adversity—to deliver measurable success for organizations. Their efforts have supported business goals, driven long-term impact, improved outcomes, enhanced profitability, enriched onboarding experiences, eased employee transitions and fostered a more inclusive workplace culture, and ultimately committing to overall purpose and strategic approaches. Together, they’ve built a vibrant, cross-functional web of diverse leaders united by a shared progressive vision and delivering stellar results. This is why 485 out of the Fortune 500 companies and global brands continue to strengthen and redefine their DEI strategies, not merely as a trend, but as a core business driver – truly embedded in the organization’s culture.
Our growing presence in society is thanks to trailblazing Pride leaders such as Marsha P. Johnson “The Rosa Parks of the LGBT movement”; Sylvia Rivera – who, together with Marsha, co-founded STAR “Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries”; Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician elected in California and the lead star of the Oscar-winning film Milk; Edith Windsor whose advocacy led to the US Supreme Court ruling that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right; Alexya Salvador “the first transgender shepherd in Latin America”; Arsham Parsi, founder of the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees; Laverne Cox, who starred in Orange is the New Black is the first trans person to be nominated for an Emmy; Lena Waithe, the first Black queer actress, writer, and producer to win an Emmy in 2017; and Michael Sam, the first openly gay football player drafted by an NFL team in 2014. These individuals—and many others—,have made a lasting impact, becoming beacons of acceptance and equity through their bold and colorful voices.
In Philippines, this year, Wipro Pride partnered with LGU Pride networks to create socio-civic impact through the Wipro Cares initiative. Together, they reached out to communities focusing on children’s education and supporting victims of fires in various city areas. The collaboration among employees, teachers, youth leaders, community leaders, and volunteers, created a truly exhilarating and meaningful experience.
The continuous contributions of our members are the reason why today, more people understands that we are all made of the same stardust – beautiful beings like gems and stars. Despite our diverse and complex backgrounds – our similarities and differences– we are all humans. tested by time and space, we illuminate one another, radiating warmth and light, and making life a more beautiful journey for all.
