Many Applied Systems employees around the world celebrate Pride at different times based on their local community plans. The UK, US and Canada celebrated Pride in June, and the Atlanta, Georgia office will march in the Atlanta Pride Parade on October 13. Today, we share great memories of representing Pride at Applied at dedicated celebrations and events in June '24, including the 53rd Annual Chicago Pride Parade, an Origins of Pride session, and a virtual Pride party. We celebrate pride all year long, but we’re especially proud of the events and support we receive during Pride Month. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights and insights from this year’s celebrations.

Representing Applied at the Chicago Pride Parade

On June 30, Pride at Applied Community of Interest leads and volunteers came together to represent Applied at the 53rd annual Chicago Pride Parade – where more than 1 million people came out to support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in Chicagoland. Applied had 36 volunteers at the parade, singing, dancing, handing out swag, and riding on our float, including family members and allies as young as 3.

“I'm so proud of all the Applied representatives who came together to represent us at the Chicago Pride Parade. Seeing such collaboration and unity makes me incredibly grateful to be a part of this organization.”

Tarra Seawright
Senior Diversity & Inclusion Manager
Applied Systems

The Origins of Pride Month

This year, we had an online training session open to Applied employees to cover the history of Pride, including the pivotal day in history on June 28, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular Greenwich Village bar catering to LGBTQ+ customers. Employees learned how the events on that day became a catalyst for change and a symbol for LGBTQ+ rights, evolving into today’s Pride festivals and marches. The 20-minute course explored the key events and personalities in the United States that ultimately shaped a global movement.

“Pride doesn’t begin and end in June, and trainings like these help make Applied the safest, most rewarding place to work all year round!”

Nate Zimmer
Operations Manager and Pride at Applied Co-Chair
Indio

A Virtual Party

In addition to the parade and educational session, we also hosted a “Show Your Pride at Applied Virtual Party,” open to all employees, with nearly 100 attending. The celebration included trivia, a scavenger hunt and a photo geography contest. Many employees sported their Pride at Applied shirts and the Pride at Applied mascot, Unity the Unicorn, even showed up.

“It was great to see so many names and faces we don’t normally see at the party. Everyone was so engaged and had a fun time.”

Emily Laxton
Associate GRC Security Analyst and Pride at Applied Co-Chair
Indio

A Growing Mission

It has been three years since Applied celebrated its first Pride Month in June 2021, and the effort has grown each year. The Pride at Applied community of interest has created awareness and increased inclusivity.

“Allies of the LGBTQIA+ community gathered together to show their support through charitable giving, supportive posts on our Slack channel, and an overwhelmingly touching collection of personal video messages to our community.”

Michelle Hébert   
Services Enablement Manager and Pride at Applied Chair
Applied Systems

Supporting a Mission of Authenticity

The Pride at Applied community and mission is a part of the larger mission of team Applied to ensure that all employees can ‘clock in’ authentically. In addition to supporting Pride at Applied and the LGBTQ+ community, Applied supports and hosts other communities of interest, including Black at Applied, IndispensAbility at Applied, Women in Technology at Applied and Veterans of Applied. Check out the recent Built In article that showcased Applied for diversity and inclusion efforts, including Pride at Applied. You can also explore Life at Applied blog articles that celebrate Applied’s culture and inclusivity.