Pride Month is a time of joy. A time to celebrate love, authenticity, and the beautiful diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It’s also a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and to recognize the role we all play in creating a future where everyone is free to be who they are without fear, limits, or apology.
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A Look Back: Why Pride Matters
The modern Pride movement was born out of protest. On June 28th, 1969, the Stonewall Riots in New York City ignited a nationwide fight for 2SLGBTQ+ rights after police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. This pivotal moment, led in large part by trans women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, marked the beginning of a global movement for equality and justice.
History is rich with stories of resistance, love, and community even when society wasn’t ready to accept it. For example, in 19th-century New England, a “Boston marriage” referred to two women living together, often in committed partnerships at a time when same-sex love had no legal or social standing.
What Does Allyship Look Like Today?
Allyship today is about consistent, informed, and courageous action. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being present. Being an ally is a powerful way to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community and it starts with openness, empathy, and action.
According to GLAAD’s Guide for Allies, here are some easy, uplifting ways to be a great ally this Pride Month (and beyond):
Use inclusive, affirming language - Words matter. Language evolves, and staying informed is an act of respect. Learn about the evolution of LGBTQ+ terminology.
Respect people’s identities, pronouns, and names - Always ask, never assume. Affirming someone’s identity is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to show respect.
Educate yourself – Follow credible sources like GLAAD’s research and The Trevor Project’s resources to understand the lived experiences of queer and trans people.
Stand up and speak out – Whether it's challenging discriminatory language or advocating for inclusive policies, allies use their voices to create change.
Create safe spaces – At home, at work, in your community. Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and seen.
The Stats Behind the Story
The need for active, informed allyship is urgent. According to The Trevor Project, 41% of 2SLGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, and transgender and nonbinary youth face significantly elevated risk. These numbers underscore why visibility, validation, and support are literally lifesaving.
At the same time, progress is real. GLAAD’s research shows growing visibility and representation of queer people in media, workplaces, and public life. But representation alone isn’t enough. It must be met with action, inclusion, and policy that protects and uplifts.
Pride at Work and Beyond
For us, Pride isn’t just a month - it’s a mindset. A celebration of love, resilience, and the freedom to show up as your full, authentic self. But it’s also a promise: to keep the momentum going, to build workplaces where everyone belongs, and to support initiatives that drive real change. Not just in June, but every day.
At Ethical Swag, we’re inspired by the progress that’s been made, and we’re excited to be part of the movement that keeps pushing forward. We believe swag can do more than just represent your brand. It can spark conversations, show solidarity, and amplify your values. Whether you’re planning Pride events, launching internal campaigns, or looking for ways to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in a tangible way, we’ve curated impactful, sustainable products that help you walk the talk.
So this Pride Month, let’s go beyond the rainbow. Let’s show up with intention through the stories we share, the businesses we support, and the swag we choose to represent what we stand for.
Happy Pride, from our team to yours. Let’s keep celebrating the power of love, identity, and inclusion every day of the year.