What does Pride mean to our members?
When asked, this is what SWE LGBTQ and Allies Affinity Group members had to say:
“Pride is the time to get together and celebrate the diversity in the community. To be proud of who you are and offer help to those looking for assistance. It’s amazing how many people are there to learn and find resources.”
“I always find Pride is a great time to reflect on queerness and the intersectionality of my many identities, and I want to continue thinking about how these events connect, and how we can work towards a more inclusive and accepting society”
Although we cannot gather in person this year due to social distancing restrictions, Pride still allows us to create a sense of community, inclusion and belonging. In the professional sphere, SWE’s LGBTQ and Allies Affinity Group fosters that community by connecting members with mentors and friends who share their experiences and interests. We will be sharing Pride content from our members throughout the month of June that highlights the diversity and excellence of our members.
As we celebrate Pride, we acknowledge the ways our many identities interact. Given recent acts of police brutality against Black people, we are reflecting on the intersectionality of queer identity, Black identity, and the ways in which we can affect change in our communities, and acting in solidarity. Black trans women like Marsha P Johnson and butch lesbians like Stormé DeLarverie were early leaders at Stonewall and in the LGBTQ movement. They laid the groundwork for the modern LGBTQ rights movement, and it is important we honor their contributions.
SWE is committed to supporting a diverse membership, and the SWE Affinity Groups allow members to share experiences and resources for professional and personal development, expanding the image of the engineering profession as a positive force and demonstrating the value of diversity and inclusion. The LGBTQ and Allies Affinity Group strives to provide our community with a safe space, professional development opportunities, and empowerment of our members.
We invite you to celebrate Pride month with us. Join our community and learn more at https://swe.org/membership/affinity-groups/
