Our commitment to impact inspired us to celebrate Pride month with activities and initiatives that uplift our community and DRIVE program.

At Redbrick, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), we’ve been celebrating Pride month with engaging activities and initiatives aligning with our core values and our DRIVE program (Diversity, Respect, Inclusion, Value, and Equity).

Kicking off Pride with a drop-in workshop

Our first step was to invite everyone to a company-wide drop-in workshop. The in-person and virtual session provided a platform for our team to learn about our DRIVE network and collaborate on planning Pride activities across the Redbrick family, including our participation in the Victoria Pride parade.

The casual and inclusive environment encouraged the sharing of ideas, ensuring a more engaging and comprehensive planning process. We’re excited about what came out of it, and would highly recommend giving it a try yourselves! Here’s what we took away:

Planning inclusive celebrations and meaningful action

We asked our employees how we could celebrate Pride inclusively, and their responses were both insightful and inspiring. Here’s how we’re practically implementing their suggestions:

1. Organizing in-person and remote celebrations: Accessibility was our first step! Throughout June, employees are invited to post photos in our #Pride Slack channel, showcasing the ways they walk with Pride. Participants will be entered for a chance to win special swag deliveries. Ideas for photo submissions include attending Pride festivities or supporting Queer-owned businesses.
2. Opening the conversation: Through workshops, monthly learning sessions, and dedicated Slack channels like #DRIVE-network and #pride, we’re fostering open discussions about bias and inclusivity, ensuring everyone has a voice and a platform to share their experiences and knowledge, or the businesses and organizations they’re passionate about supporting.
3. Facilitating learning: Our DRIVE committee hosts Monthly Collective Learning (MCL) sessions throughout the year. In alignment with Pride, our June MCL will be facilitated by QMUNITY and aims to provide foundational learning that supports and elevates the principles of Pride. The presentation will delve into essential topics such as 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology, identities, pronouns/neo-pronouns, definitions, intersectionality, and the effects of settler colonialism on 2SLGBTQIA+ representation.
4. Providing multiple ways to engage: From virtual trivia and supporting local businesses to participating in our local parade—we have plans in motion. Inspired by our Leadpages team in Minneapolis (who have been trying new lunch spots all month long), our next monthly catered lunch will feature food from a local Queer-owned restaurant.
5. Planning community activities related to Pride: We want to build community and celebrate together. Our monthly Chill Friday will feature a beaded bracelet-making session to get everyone accessorized and excited for the Victoria Pride parade on July 7th. We’ll be kicking off parade day with a pancake breakfast to fuel up and get ready for the parade together.

Join us in the Victoria Pride Parade

We are thrilled to participate in the Victoria Pride parade on Sunday, July 7th. Hosted by the Victoria Pride Society, Songhees Nation and other Indigenous and Two-Spirit community members will open the parade at 11 AM on the corner of Douglas and Fisgard in downtown Victoria.

With close to 140 entries and drawing a crowd of 70,000+ spectators, the parade is set to be an amazing celebration. The parade will work its way through the city and end at MacDonald park, where Victoria’s Pride festival will be in full swing.

Amplifying voices and sharing resources

Supporting and amplifying Queer voices is integral to our DEI efforts. We have compiled directories of Queer-owned businesses and organizations across the cities we operate in, encouraging our community to support these establishments. Redbrick is matching employee donations in solidarity.

Additionally, we are sharing links to organizations like the LGBTQ Freedom Fund, Trans Women of Color Collective, and Point of Pride, among others, to promote their important work. You can find more information on these businesses and organizations below.

Businesses in cities we operate in

• Victoria Pride Society Queer-owned Business Directory
• List of Queer-owned small businesses in Toronto
• Local Queer-owned/friendly bars and restaurants in Toronto
• Service listing some Alberta local Queer-owned/allied businesses
• Directory of Queer-owned/allied businesses in Minneapolis
• Indianapolis Queer-owned and allied businesses

Organizations to support

• LGBTQ Freedom Fund
• For the Gworls
• Trans Women of Color Collective
• Point of Pride
• Human Rights Campaign
• Black Trans Femmes in Arts

These lists are far from comprehensive! We encourage you to explore businesses and resources close to you and share what you learn with your community.

Our ongoing commitment

By celebrating Pride and engaging in DEI initiatives, we aim to make a meaningful impact within our organization and our broader community. Together, we can drive positive change and champion diversity, respect, inclusion, value, and equity in all that we do.

Join us in celebrating Pride, and let’s make this month—and every month—one of acceptance, unity, and joy.