What is Pride?

Most of us are familiar with Pride Month, when social media shifts to rainbow filters, festivals and parades take place around the world, and brands compete for their share of the LGBTQ+ and ally market. However, all of the rainbow symbolism can sometimes obscure Pride’s origin in rebellion against centuries of oppression of the LGBTQ+ community.

While much has changed for the better since the Stonewall uprising in 1969 and the first Pride march in 1970, the work isn’t done. Organizations and individuals must move beyond Pride to become active allies working for equity for the LGBTQ+ community year-round.

At Articulate, we believe in the power of learning—the power to shape minds, sway hearts, and influence policy. That’s why this Pride Month we’re proud to expand our Rise Real Content library with two courses written in solidarity with, and celebration of, the LGBTQ+ community.

As of this writing, anti-LGBTQ+ bills are proliferating in the United States, while abroad, more than 70 countries criminalize same-gender intimate activity. In sharing these courses, we hope to offer learners the opportunity to ground themselves in history so that we might better address the present together.

Power and Pride: The Origins of Pride Month

The first course, Power and Pride: The Origins of Pride Month, focuses on the historical impact of the Stonewall uprising and how it became a catalyst for change over the following 50+ years. Through storytelling, illustrations, and interactive activities, learners will be introduced to the concept of inclusive language, explore a timeline of pivotal events, and meet the individuals who helped shape a movement.

Beyond Pride: Year-Round Action

The second course, Beyond Pride: Year-Round Action, raises the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community today and reviews strategies for sustained allyship. Each section shares practical advice for organizations and individuals who want to live out inclusive values and remain committed to advocacy year-round.

These courses were thoroughly researched and thoughtfully written by our in-house content team, with sponsorship and support from our affinity-based employee resource group (ERG) and diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DIBs) committee members.

We’re all works-in-progress, and no community is a monolith—we share these courses in the spirit of continuous learning as humans, teammates, and members of society. We hope they help you spark meaningful conversations at your workplace and beyond this June—and all year long.

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