LGBTQ+ ERG | Pride Month 2024

Note: stay tuned to this page and the #lgbtq-erg slack channel for updates. 

Imagine returning from a long Memorial Day weekend and your colleagues are warmly sharing stories about their adventures with spouses, families, and friends. Yet, amidst these joyful exchanges, you find yourself silent, feeling uncomfortable to share your own experience from Sunday's vibrant Drag Brunch. This scenario is a reality for some, where expressing one's identity freely remains a challenge.

Consider another case where an employee, passionate about a niche hobby commonly celebrated in the LGBTQ+ community, feels the need to suppress their enthusiasm about their leading role at the local queer book club. These instances of self-censorship not only contribute to a sense of isolation, but can impact an individual’s psychological safety and integration within their team. Over time, such experiences can lead to decreased job satisfaction and hinder career progression due to a lack of authentic connections with colleagues.

Pride Month at SLAC is about turning the spotlight on these challenges. It's a time to raise awareness, encourage understanding, and empower both individuals and the organization to foster an inclusive environment. 

Through celebrating Pride, we aim to provide everyone the freedom to be themselves, ensuring that all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel valued and included.

This June, we invite you to join us in events designed to celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ community

Pride Flag Raising
Tuesday June 4 | 10:30-11 a.m. | in front of SUSB (Building 53)

Kick off the month with us for the Third Annual Pride Flag Raising in front of SUSB 

by the flag poles. 

Add to your outlook calendar (via SLAC Today)
 

Pride March

Wednesday June 12 | 12-2 p.m. | SUSB (Building 53) Main Entrance

The Third Annual Pride March will start at noon in front of the SUSB main entrance. 

Before the march commences, there will be a short security briefing to ensure everyone's safety throughout the event. Just like last year, we will parade around Loop Road, spreading positivity and inclusivity. 

The march serves as a powerful statement of solidarity, demonstrating our unwavering support for equal rights and respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Light refreshments will be provided. Festive dress is encouraged. See photos from last year here. 

Event timeline:

• 12 p.m. - Kick off in front of the B53 main entrance. Before the march commences, there will be a short security briefing to ensure everyone's safety throughout the event. 
   
• 12:10 p.m. - Begin the march around Loop Road.
   
• 12:30 p.m. - End the march at the Main Quad and stay for a gathering, including brief remarks, refreshments and surprises.

We encourage you to invite family and friends to join us for the SLAC Pride March. 
Sign up guests here.

Add to your Outlook Calendar (via SLAC Today)
 

SLAC Reads Discussion 

Tuesday June 18 | 12-1 p.m. | SUSB (Building 53) Havasu Conf. Room 

The LGBTQ+ ERG is trying something new this year! We invite you to listen to a selection of podcasts related to queer history and some of the queer culture we have in our own backyard here in the Bay Area. Note that Stanford login is required to access the document with the link to the podcasts. The discussion will be held on June 18 and lunch will be provided.

Add to your Outlook Calendar (via SLAC Today)
 

Rainbow Reels: Nimona

July 10 | 4 to 6 p.m. | Kavli Auditorium 

“When a knight in a futuristic medieval world is framed for a crime he didn't commit, the only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona -- a mischievous teen who happens to be a shapeshifting creature he's sworn to destroy.”

Our Rainbow Reels selection this year is Nimona. Join us in watching an animated film with 3 awards and 43 award nominations, including an Oscar nomination for best animated feature. 

Add to your Outlook Calendar (via SLAC Today)
 

These events are open to all at SLAC. 

Through these initiatives, SLAC’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group and the DEI+ Office aim to build a community where everyone can thrive. 

Download Pride Month zoom backgrounds here

Join us in making Pride Month a memorable and impactful time at SLAC!

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A note on participation and time-charging: Supervisors are encouraged to allow employees to participate in community activities as operations permit. Employees should charge their usual PA since the activities provide value to SLAC. However, if a particular project requires work to be backfilled during this time, a separate PA number might be required. For employees who are part of a service center, they should charge their shop’s UDT (undistributed time) code. For exceptions or complex charging situations, reach out to your business manager.