During Pride Month, Inspire highlights the stories of our team members as we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
Today, we spoke with Hayes White, Associate Manager of Executive Communications and who has worked with Inspire for about 10 months. He is also a member of Inspire’s Pride Business Resource Group (BRG), which is dedicated to creating a safe space for LGBTQIA+ team members and allies while maintaining diversity in thoughts and ideas across Inspire Brands.
Why is being a member of the Pride BRG important to you?
Visibility and representation matters. We want to ensure that everyone at Inspire is comfortable being themselves, both at work and in their day-to-day lives. This sense of belonging and acceptance allows everyone to flourish, fostering an environment where we all can succeed.
What are your goals as a member of this BRG?
To not only grow and support a community at Inspire, but also to help ensure that all team members and their concerns are recognized at the office. It’s a place not only for LGBTQIA+ team members, but for allies and others to learn collectively from each other.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
Pride Month is a time to celebrate our community, our unique and diverse culture, and love for everyone. It’s also important to remember the history of the LGBTQIA+ community and highlight the work that must continue to end the discrimination, hatred, and violence people face.
How are you celebrating Pride Month?
I love discovering and supporting LGBTQIA+ artists and their work year-round, but especially during Pride Month. I also love comedy and there are several local queer comedy shows this month that I look forward to attending!
How can others help forge a more inclusive and equal community?
It’s important to remember that we’re all human and just trying to figure it out. Have empathy for others, try to gain some new perspectives, and always keep an open mind! There’s far more to gain by coming together than there is by remaining separate.
This story is part of an ongoing series.
