Applied Systems team members celebrate Pride at different times depending on location, and this June, Team Applied marked the month under the theme “Free to Be Proud” – honoring LGBTQIA+ legacy, leadership, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom. From a virtual tour through queer history to a Virtual Pride Party and a spot in the 55th Annual Chicago Pride Parade, June gave Team Applied plenty of ways to learn, reflect, and get involved.

Pride is something we celebrate and cherish every month. Let’s take a look at some highlights from this month’s celebrations.

Learning Our History: Pride Virtual Tour with Inside Out Tours

We kicked off Pride Month with a virtual tour hosted by Inside Out Tours, exploring the rich history, culture, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community across iconic U.S. cities. The session walked through decades of history, from early acts of resistance to the moments of activism that built today’s Pride celebrations.

A few highlights that stood out:

• Frank Kameny, often called the godfather of queer activism, fought back after losing his federal job during the Lavender Scare and modeled his organizing after the civil rights movement – work that decades later earned him a pen from President Obama at the signing of employment protections for LGBTQIA+ workers.
• Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin’s San Francisco home served as the unofficial headquarters of the Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian civil and political rights organization in the U.S., founded in 1955 and home to The Ladder, the first nationally distributed lesbian magazine.
• The Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969, sparked a week of protests in New York City’s Greenwich Village, leading to the first Pride march one year later and the start of the modern Pride movement.
• Harvey Milk became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, and his advocacy led Gilbert Baker to design the rainbow flag, a symbol that has evolved over the years to reflect an ever-more-inclusive community.

Coming Together and Showing Our Pride

On Sunday, June 28, Pride at Applied COI leads, volunteers, and their families represented Applied at the 55th Annual Chicago Pride Parade. Over 40 participants walked and rode alongside a float bigger than any we’ve brought before, with DJ Milk Majer spinning tunes the whole way down the route and a new limited-run t-shirt for every participant.

A special shoutout goes out to our Parade Monitors, who kept everyone safe along the two-mile route so the rest of the group could focus on celebrating. We’re also thankful for the other Communities of Interest who came together to help bring the float to life.

Pride at Applied Co-Chair Emily Laxton hosted a Virtual Pride Party filled with music, games, trivia, and prizes. Team members across locations showed their Pride by wearing Pride gear and waving flags for a chance to earn extra points, and the energy was awesome from start to finish. Thanks to everyone who joined us!

"Participating in the Chicago Pride Parade brought so many emotions of gratitude. We had such a fantastic crew of over 40 Applied folks, friends, and family with us this weekend. This included members from all of our COIs - Women in Tech, Black at Applied, Veterans at Applied, and IndispensAbility! I am so thankful for all of the smiling faces who joined us and helped make #AppliedPride what it is today.

From virtual tours and parties bringing opportunity for learning and camaraderie throughout the global organization, to moments of remembrance, and pure joy on a parade float - Pride at Applied showed that love, belonging, and authenticity aren't just words. They're action."

Emily Laxton

Pride at Applied Co-Chair and Associate GRC Security Analyst

More Than Celebration: Supporting Care and Community

Besides being about celebration, Pride is also about care. Pride at Applied is proud to support Center on Halsted, an organization that provides programs and services designed to advance Chicago’s LGBTQ+ and allied community. Team Applied made donations to Center on Halsted throughout the month, standing behind an organization that shows up for the community year-round.

Applied also partnered with Modern Health to offer a Circle called Fostering Resilience for LGBTQIA+ Individuals. These therapist-led group sessions gave participants a safe, inclusive space to navigate challenges, share their experiences, and strengthen their wellbeing alongside colleagues who understand. They were powerful moments of wellness and community support, and a reminder that showing up for each other looks different every day.

Free to Be Proud, This Month and Every Month

The Pride at Applied community of interest exists to create a safe and celebratory space for Applied’s LGBTQIA+ community, and June put that mission into action. From learning about our history with Inside Out Tours to dancing through the Virtual Pride Party and marching in the 55th Annual Chicago Pride Parade and supporting Center on Halsted and Modern Health, Team Applied showed up for one another all month long.

A big thank you to everyone who showed up, donated, celebrated, and stood proud. Free to be proud this month, and every month!

Check out the Life at Applied section of our blog to learn how Applied Systems celebrates diversity, inclusion, and belonging all year long.