Every June for over 50 years, LGBTQ+ people and allies have taken to the streets to stand up for the rights of queer people. The first modern Pride march was held to mark the one-year anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots. Since then, Pride celebrations have grown and changed, taking on many different forms in cities around the globe.
At Spin, we have been commemorating and celebrating Pride 2021 with events planned by Pride at Spin—our LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group. Events include moderated conversations with LGBTQ+ artists, a Herstory of Drag presentation from drag historian Dr. Joe E. Jeffreys, and a virtual drag performance by Yuhua Hamasaki. During the drag show, employees were invited to “tip” the drag queen virtually. Spin then matched those tips and will be donating a total of $1,500 to Rainbow Railroad, a non-profit organization that helps LGBTQ+ people escape persecution and state-sponsored violence.
As our group organized these fantastic events and activities, we learned an important lesson: Pride takes on different meanings for different people. Some members of Spin’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group shared what Pride means to them:
- Pride is recognizing that there's no correct answer for who I need to be; it's participating in a continual process of self discovery and acceptance, while supporting others as they do the same. Pride gives me hope for a world where everyone can find comfort and happiness in who they are. - Jason, Santa Clara, CA
- Pride means celebrating our LGBTQ+ history and reminding society that there is still a long way to go, not only for our rights to be recognized but for diversity to be accepted by the wider community. - Claudi, Barcelona, Spain
- Pride is an active rebuttal against systems of oppression, especially those created by white heteronormativity. It is also a celebration of differences. Pride has allowed people from all walks of life to come together to celebrate and create a community out of what makes us different. - Shawn, San Francisco, CA
- Pride is an opportunity to hold a passionate and sassy celebration for my unique queer identity, while also mobilizing to protect and enfranchise intersectional queer identities still subject to oppression, violence, and hatred. - Paul, Brooklyn, NY
- Pride means recognizing and embracing people for the strength it takes to be who they are, and creating a welcoming community that breaks down institutional barriers. - Ted, Boston, MA
Pride is as much a time for celebration as it is a cause for reflection on the progress we have made and what motivates us to continue. We believe everyone should be afforded the freedom to move safely, no matter who they are or who they love. That is why last year, we partnered with the Black Trans Travel Fund and why we are proud to partner with Rainbow Railroad this year.
As a micromobility company passionate about transforming the way people move and live in urban areas, we know that we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to support people who have historically been left out or left behind by existing transportation systems, including transgender and gender non-conforming people who can be vulnerable to being singled-out or harrassed in public spaces. We will continue working with cities and our community partners to provide safe, inclusive transportation options that meet the needs of all members of the communities we serve.
In the face of continued homophobia and transphobia in the U.S. and around the world, we are committed to continuing to engage and support the people and communities who need it most. During Pride month and every month, we are determined to keep making progress towards a world where everyone has the freedom to move safely.
