Exchange Moves LGBTQ+ Pride Month Events Online

Members of the Exchange’s PRIDE special emphasis group attend last year’s Dallas Pride event in celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. From left, PRIDE Co-Chair Scott Lohmann, Assistant Program Manager Tysheema Hunter-Mejia and Co-Chair Patrick Oldenburgh.

Last June, members of the Exchange’s People Respecting Individuality, Diversity and Equality (PRIDE) special emphasis group joined thousands of fellow LGBTQ+ community members and allies at Fair Park in Dallas to celebrate Pride 2019.

Things have changed a lot since then. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the cancellation of National LGBTQ+ Pride Month celebrations nationwide and brought uncertainty to almost every corner of American life.

That’s why Exchange PRIDE is taking a different approach to acknowledging Pride Month this year.

“Pride is not about a monthlong celebration, but a year of reflection on being present in life and being able to live one’s true self,” said Dr. Patrick Oldenburgh, Exchange PRIDE co-chair. “We’re reflecting on the history of Pride, looking back at where we’ve come from and celebrating the inclusivity of the community.”

Every June, the Exchange recognizes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender associates for their dedicated service to the Exchange mission and our Nation. Pride Month brings the LGBTQ+ community together with their family, friends and allies to take pride in themselves and their many achievements. During Pride Month, the Exchange celebrates America’s rich diversity and renews its enduring commitment to equality for all members of the Exchange.

The centerpiece of this year’s activities is a June 26 virtual lunch-and-learn with Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith, Special Assistant, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower Reserve and Affairs) for Quality of Life and Exchange Board of Directors member. Smith was the first U.S. flag officer to come out after the repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in 2011.

To help connect members of the Exchange’s extended LGTBQ and ally community during such uncertain times, Exchange PRIDE will also encourage associates to submit a photo of themselves for inclusion on the Exchange PRIDE portal’s Virtual Photo Wall. For more information and instructions on how to submit a photo, click here.

“Pride can never truly be canceled,” said Scott Lohmann, PRIDE co-chair. “It’s much more than an event; it’s a way of life. It’s the pride and love we feel towards each other, the recognition of the diversity that makes our LGBTQ+ family so unique and special.”

Additionally, this month’s Exchange EEODI Digest features an article on important monuments commemorating LGBTQ+ history, a list of things to never say to an LGBTQ+ person and other information in recognition of Pride Month. Managers can find resources to help set up local or team Pride Month events or training on the Exchange PRIDE portal. Associates can click here to become a member of Exchange PRIDE.

“We’re all in this together,” said Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Jim Jordan, an executive champion of the Exchange PRIDE. “Pride may look a little different this year as we continue to physically distance, but we are still very much united in spirit.”