It is a pivotal time for the LGBTQ+ community as it faces more challenges to their hard-fought rights, an increase in hateful rhetoric, and escalating violence against the community. It’s more important than ever for us to celebrate Pride Month loud and proud as the LGBTQ+ community, supporters and allies gather for marches, parades, remembrances, and other events worldwide.
We’re celebrating Pride at Invoca by sharing the stories of a few of our LGBTQ+ employees and allies. Before we get to their stories, though, here are a few ways that you can support the LGBTQ+ community, educate yourself or others, and foster a more inclusive space as you celebrate the LGBTQ+ community this month:
- Lend your voice & be an ally and advocate
- Volunteer your time
- Join local events
- Increase your awareness through reading, watching films/television
- Engage online via Instagram and other social media outlets
- Take steps to make your workplace an inclusive and welcoming space for all
And now, onto our friend’s stories! We’ll add more to this post as they come in throughout the month. Happy Pride Month, everyone!
Story 1: Nick Baldassini
Pride for me is 365 days a year, not just the month of June. Growing up and having to hide my true self was a constant struggle. To me, pride is about always showing up as your authentic self. It means celebrating who we are, supporting one another, and lifting up our community.
This year, I had the chance to ride in the final AIDS/LifeCycle. That event changed my life back in 2018 when I did my first 545 miles. Being back this year reminded me why it’s so meaningful. Together, our community raised $17.2 million for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center to support HIV/AIDS services. It was powerful, emotional, and something I’ll carry with me for a long time. I’m grateful to work for a company like Invoca that allowed me to host a presentation this month to share my experience and educate others on why the ride is so important.
Pride is also about remembering. We have to honor the people who came before us, who fought for the rights and visibility we have today. Without their strength and courage, many of us wouldn’t be here. I’m forever grateful for those who faced the HIV/AIDS crisis head on, who raised awareness and fought for life-saving care that so many people rely on now.
That’s what Pride means to me. Living openly. Supporting each other. Remembering where we came from and pushing forward together.
Story 2: Fermin Calleros
Pride is a reminder of how far I’ve come. It’s a moment to look back at the person I was before coming out, with compassion, and to celebrate the growth, strength, and self-acceptance I’ve found since. Pride is also a reflection of how far society has come, and a call to keep pushing forward. It reminds me that progress isn’t guaranteed. We have to keep showing up, being visible, and fighting for each other to make sure we don’t move backward.
Story 3: Brooke Medintz
I came out when I was 15 years old—I’m now 33—and it's been a challenging yet rewarding experience. I remember sharing with those who were incredibly close to me, like my parents, sister, grandma, friends, and others, who have never been 100% supportive of my choices and how I live my life.
However, they're as accepting as they can be, which is all I can ask for, even if I don't agree with them. On the flip side, my grandma, who passed away several years ago at age 103, was the most loving, kind, understanding, and patient human being when I shared who I was with her. It's not common for someone of that age to be as accepting, but I’m forever grateful to have had someone like that in my life, as I know some people don't have the support they're looking for and should absolutely have.
Over the years, I've dated both men and women and have experienced a constant struggle trying to figure out who I am. Growing up, there was always this concept of having to put a label on who you are, instead of being comfortable with yourself and not having to explain yourself over and over again.
Most recently, I was engaged to a woman I was with for three years and decided that wasn't my path in life. I needed to re-evaluate what I wanted out of life, who I was as a person, and what I needed and wanted. It was a hard decision, but I needed to make myself happy.
June has always been a special month for me to remember and appreciate that we have to live for ourselves and not for others, regardless of how hard that can be. It shouldn't matter who you love, as long as you are happy, comfortable, and healthy. It took a toll on me for many years to acknowledge that I am part of the LGBTQ+ community, but it's such a beautiful, loving, honest community where those are just looking to be loved and to love others for who they truly are.
Story 4: Nathan Ziv
As the executive sponsor for Invoca's LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), it has been a pleasure to witness the remarkable efforts of our ERG leads in fostering an inclusive and vibrant community. They have orchestrated a diverse array of monthly meetings, seamlessly blending engaging social activities with enlightening discussions on historical and current advancements in LGBTQ+ rights. Their dedication has not only enriched our workplace culture but also underscored the importance of inclusivity and continuous learning within our organization.
Story 5: Anonymous Invocan
I am the mother of a young transgender man who does not live openly as trans. Because of this, people aren't always aware that they are talking to a mom who has a transgender child. This sometimes leads to insensitive jokes or opinions that someone wouldn't necessarily share if they knew. Unfortunately, there are also people in my life who do know and continue with insensitive jokes or their views against LGBTQ rights. I believe that in many of these cases, they don't understand the difficulties my son and my family have gone through during this transition.
I believe that everyone is entitled to their beliefs, and the world has come a long way when it comes to supporting people who are transgender. But it's been a long, hard road, and while my son is now happy and thriving, I still worry for his life.
I've been at Invoca for a while now, and I haven't shared my son's story because it's not my story to tell. I can share that the company's support of the LGBTQ community fills me with pride. In conversations with co-workers, any time the LGBTQ community has come up in conversation, it's filled with support and positivity. It's so refreshing to be surrounded by this positivity during Pride Month and all year. It comforts me that someday my son won't have to keep such a big secret.
