June 1st brings many things—sunnier days, warmer weather, flowers in bloom—but most importantly for the leaders of our LGBTQ+ ERG, PrideIntent, June 1st brings Pride! We connected with the leaders of PrideIntent to discuss the ERG’s impact on the organization and the significance of Pride in their personal lives.
The PrideIntent ERG was created less than a year ago and has since become a place of support, community, and visibility for its members. Cait McCann, Senior People Development Manager and co-chair of PrideIntent, wasn’t sure how transparent she wanted to be regarding her identity at work. It wasn’t until she co-created PrideIntent that she felt comfortable coming out as bisexual to her coworkers. Cait has been overwhelmed with the positive response she’s received since telling her story but also recognizes not everyone may be at the same place in their journey. “Even if you’re not quite ready to be out, PrideIntent is a safe space to listen, learn, and ask questions,” says McCann.
Jack Supple, Advertising Operations Manager and co-chair of PrideIntent, is pleasantly surprised at how large the group has become. PrideIntent has a smaller group for those who identify specifically as members of the LGBTQ+ community called LiveInPride. Jack explained, “It’s so important that we have this group especially for new hires so they have a place where they can talk right when they join LiveIntent.” Jack has loved getting to know other members of the community and their unique backgrounds and perspectives.
Throughout June, the leaders of PrideIntent held different events to celebrate Pride month; most notable was the event Colors of the Progress Pride Flag Week. Every day, employees were encouraged to wear one of two colors representing the different colors of the Progress Pride Flag. LiveIntenters had a ton of fun showing off their pride, both in virtual meetings and while out and about. Cait explained that this visual representation is a “clear indicator that not just those in the LGBTQ+ community support each other, but everyone at LiveIntent, regardless of how they identify, is here to show their support.”
In the true spirit of Pride, PrideIntent offered a two-hour virtual Bingothon where Drag Queen, Ms. Gassy Winds, hosted the event filled with her quippy, and at times risqué, remarks. Drinks, laughs, and Amazon gift cards were present and plentiful. Thanks to all of PrideIntent’s brave allies who took the brunt of Ms. Gassy’s well-intentioned jabs.
When I asked the PrideIntent leaders what makes them most proud, Leah Sackler, Customer Success Manager, and PrideIntent’s administrator, confidently explained that she’s “proud to be visible.” Although she joined the workforce five years ago, LiveIntent is the first company at which Leah is out. She feels it’s a massive triumph as she’s not only an out and active member of PrideIntent, but also an out, visible, and proud leader at LiveIntent. Cait explained that she’s pleased that their group leads with honesty and transparency. “We’ve asked tough questions and brought up tough topics to foster conversation — and it’s worked! We’ve received feedback from people at all professional levels at the organization that our stories touch them and that our meeting discussions have changed their perspectives”. Jack went on to explain further, “People [at LiveIntent] are learning things in really valuable ways; you can feel the change over the last year.”
PrideIntent has become an open and safe place for everyone at LiveIntent, where members can be vulnerable and share and where allies can learn and listen. We all have reasons to be proud, and it’s incredibly evident, PrideIntent has many.
Happy Pride, everyone!
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