Pride Month is a powerful opportunity for organizations to champion equality, celebrate LGBTQ+ voices, and inspire lasting, positive change. This guide offers strategies and program ideas to help your organization create meaningful Pride Month initiatives that go beyond June and fuel a more inclusive future. Whether you're a small startup or a global enterprise, you’ll discover actionable ways to uplift your team, support your community, and stand up for LGBTQ+ rights.
This resource covers:
- History of Pride Month
- The Importance of Pride Month
- Program ideas and examples from other Pledge 1% members
- Pledge 1% graphics for your use
History of Pride Month
Pride Month, celebrated every June, honors the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a landmark event that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. What began as a protest for equality has since evolved into a global celebration of love, identity, visibility, and resilience.
In 1999, President Clinton officially recognized June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. In 2011, President Obama expanded the designation to LGBT Pride Month, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusion and representation within the community.
Although Pride Month originated in the United States, it has grown into a global movement celebrated by millions worldwide.
The Importance of Pride Month
Pride Month is a moment to reflect on the historic fight for gay rights and to promote awareness and equality within your organization. It’s a time to listen, learn, and amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals while working toward a world where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported, no matter their gender identity or who they love.
With 9% of adults in 30 countries identifying as LGBT+, recognizing and supporting this community isn't just the right thing to do; it also strengthens your organization. Inclusive workplaces are proven to attract top talent, boost employee engagement, and foster innovation by ensuring all team members feel valued and supported.
Program Ideas
Pride Month is full of opportunities for creativity, community building, and impact. Whether through education, advocacy, or direct action, your company can find powerful ways to support LGBTQ+ rights. Here’s how to get started:
Education & Allyship
Understanding LGBTQ+ history and current challenges is key to building an inclusive workplace. Some ideas include:
- Host a virtual fireside chat with LGBTQ+ advocates, employees, or community leaders.
- Create a learning series or reading challenge about LGBTQ+ history, culture, and activism.
- Use your platforms to share LGBTQ+ stories and voices—highlight team members, spotlight queer-owned businesses, or share educational content.
- Partner with LGBTQ+ creators to develop inclusive content, toolkits, or campaigns for your audience.
Example: For Pride Month, Pledge 1% member Remitly hosted a conversation with community leaders and employees to explore the overlap between LGBTQ+ and immigrant identities, spotlighted LGBTQ+ team members, and partnered with Intentionalist to promote LGBTQ+-owned small businesses through the "Spend with Pride" campaign. Learn more here.
Community Impact
- Organize a donation drive or fundraising campaign for LGBTQ+ nonprofits like The Trevor Project, GLSEN, the Human Rights Campaign, or a local partner.
- Volunteer with local organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth, elders, or people facing housing insecurity.
- Sponsor Pride events in underserved communities.
- Create space for employees to share how they support LGBTQ+ causes year-round.
Example: As part of their commitment to community impact during Pride Month 2024, Pledge 1% member Salesforce participated in Tokyo Rainbow Pride as a Platinum sponsor. At one of Asia’s largest Pride events, Salesforce hosted an interactive booth featuring their Equality initiatives and inclusive practices while sharing Pride-themed swag. The celebration ended in a vibrant show of support as 250 employees, families, partners, and friends proudly marched in the Tokyo Pride Parade, united in advocating for a world where everyone can live authentically.
Workplace and Product Transformation
- Launch or elevate your Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for LGBTQ+ staff and allies.
- Conduct a workplace inclusivity audit and update policies and benefits to reflect best practices for trans and nonbinary inclusion.
- Offer pronoun training, inclusive benefits education, and mental health support tailored to LGBTQ+ needs.
- Create or support inclusive product offerings or design features.
Example: Pledge 1% member Canva celebrates Pride Month through a multifaceted commitment to inclusion and community support. In addition to funding Pride events and initiatives through the Canva Represents Fund and generous product donations, Canva uniquely leverages its platform to amplify Pride by offering thousands of Pride-inspired templates. These customizable designs empower individuals, organizations, and allies around the world to creatively express support for the LGBTQ+ community, whether for events, social media, education, or workplace celebrations. Learn more here.
Looking for Additional Ideas?
Need help brainstorming a Pride campaign that fits your mission and values? Try using prompts like:
- "We're in [insert industry]—what are authentic ways to support the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month?"
- "How can we integrate LGBTQ+ support into our company culture beyond Pride Month?"
These prompts can help shape meaningful plans that resonate with your employees, customers, and community.
Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear how your organization is celebrating Pride Month 2025! What events are you planning? Which LGBTQ+ organizations are you supporting? Drop a comment below and amplify your impact by sharing your program ideas with the community.
Pledge 1% Graphics for Pride Month
Download and share these Pride Month graphics to show your support and spread the message of inclusion, love, and justice.
Michelle Fifis
Community Manager, Pledge 1%
