Commercial Integrator + Security Sales June 2024 - 12

MAKING WAVES
Embracing
Pride: WAVIT's
Journey of
Inclusivity
and Support
" You Are SAFE With Me "
campaign amplifies LGBTQ+
voices and the importance of
allyship. By Susan Wilhite
JUNE IS A MONTH of vibrant colors
and profound significance for the
LGBTQ+ community. Designated as LGBT
Pride Month, the recognition goes back to
the Stonewall riots of June and July 1969,
which marked a pivotal moment in
LGBTQ+ history. Patrons of the Stonewall
Inn in New York City were tired of
enduring police raids and discrimination,
so they decided to fight back. This uprising
sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights
movement, igniting a fire that continues to
burn brightly today.
For WAVIT, Pride Month is not merely
a time for colorful parades and festivities;
it's also a poignant reminder of the
struggles, triumphs and ongoing fight
for equality that the LGBTQ+ community
faces every day. At the heart of our mission
lies a profound commitment to championing
inclusivity and equality for all. As
a women's association deeply rooted in
empowerment and solidarity, we stand
proudly in support of the LGBTQ+ community
during Pride Month and beyond.
Celebrating Pride Month
In the words of Audre Lorde, " It is not our
differences that divide us. It is our inability
to recognize, accept and celebrate
those differences. " This Pride Month,
let us celebrate the beautiful tapestry of
humanity in all its diversity and continue
our journey toward a more inclusive, more
equitable future for all.
Pride Month is a celebration of visibility,
authenticity and resilience. At WAVIT,
As all of us celebrate Pride Month this June, WAVIT reaffirms its commitment to
amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, advocating for policy changes that protect people's
rights and providing support to those in need.
one of the steps that we're taking is, at
InfoComm 2024, we will hand out " You
Are Safe with Me " pins. The campaign
originated with a simple, yet profound,
idea: creating visible symbols of safety
and support that LGBTQ+ individuals can
recognize and trust. If you see me or any
other member of the WAVIT Board, please
ask them for your pin. We'd love the opportunity
to connect and get your support!
Ways to Show Support
Let's explore some additional ways to
embrace Pride Month and show support.
Here are just a few:
1. Attend Pride events to show visible
support for the community and
amplify their message of equality.
2. Be an ally in the fight for LGBTQ+
rights. This is crucial. Actively
listening to individuals' experiences,
standing up against discrimination
and advocating for inclusion are just
a few ways to be an ally.
3. Volunteer to support their initiatives
- from organizing events, to
providing resources and support
services. This can help strengthen
community bonds.
4. Educate yourself by learning the
terminology and understanding the
diverse experiences and challenges
faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
This can help foster change and
inspire meaningful conversations.
5. Become an advocate by using your
voice and influence to support
12 Commercial Integrator+Security Sales & Integration | June 2024
LGBTQ+ rights in your personal and
professional worlds.
6. Support industry groups and events
that promote the LGBTQ+ community
with inclusivity.
Champions of Equality
This Pride Month, we reaffirm our commitment
to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices,
advocating for policy changes that protect
their rights and providing support to
those in need. We celebrate the courage
and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals
who have fought for equality and paved
the way for future generations. We honor
the diversity of experiences within the
LGBTQ+ community, and we recognize
that there is no one-size-fits-all narrative.
As allies, we understand the importance
of listening to, learning from and amplifying
marginalized voices. We acknowledge
that our role is to support and uplift
LGBTQ+ individuals, not to speak over
them. We strive to create inclusive spaces
within our organization where all members
feel valued, respected and empowered to
bring their whole selves to the table.
This Pride Month, let's come together
as allies, advocates and champions of
equality. Let's embrace the spirit of Pride
Month and continue to march forward on
the path toward a more inclusive and just
society for all. CI
SUSAN WILHITE is senior director
of business development for Bluefin
International, Inc.
DAVIDE ANGELINI/STOCK.ADOBE.COM
Commercial Integrator + Security Sales June 2024

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