It’s been 54 years since the first Pride March took place in New York City. What was first a coming together of the LGBTQ+ community to commemorate the previous year’s Stonewall Uprising has now evolved into a month-long celebration of its accomplishments and continued pursuit of equal rights.

Even as we celebrate, let us also remember that all of us are more than the traditional labels we’ve been given. We all want to be seen and understood for everything that we are, not categorized by our race, religion, or in this case, sexual orientation. Labels like these can be damaging if they prevent us from seeing past our first impressions of others (which are usually inaccurate anyway). We are each unique and complex individuals, and though we may often be grouped with others based on similar interests and lifestyles, no single facet of our identities can define who we are on the whole.

So how do we move beyond the labels? Have a conversation! Dive past the surface and get to know people on a deeper, more multidimensional level. Not sure how to get started? Join thousands of others in our 100k Conversations Challenge and receive supportive tools and resources to help you have more impactful conversations. Check out this issue’s Resources and Stacey Speaks sections for even more opportunities to lose the labels for the sake of a more inclusive workplace.

Stacey Gordon, MBA
Rework Work CEO