June is Pride Month – a celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirited and other identities and orientations (2SLGBTQIA+) community around the world. This month is dedicated to uplifting the voices and identities of the 2SLGBTQIA+ members in our communities, workplaces and homes.

The origins of Pride Month can be traced back to the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, sparking days of protests and demonstrations by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community against the ongoing discrimination and persecution they faced. One year later, the first Pride march was held in New York City to commemorate the Stonewall Riots and raise awareness. Since then, Pride Month has been celebrated annually each June in cities around the world to honour the history, diversity and continued fight for equality within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

This year, we had the opportunity to speak with Eric Hermanns, Supply Chain Manager for Power & Energy Solutions, to learn about his 2SLGBTQIA+ journey and the inclusive community he’s found at our company. As an openly gay employee, Eric appreciates being able to freely discuss his partner Brock without fear of judgement and serves as a supportive confidant for colleagues who may be exploring their own identities.