Happy Pride Month!

This is not a tech post, and it’s a personal post.  I always am quick to remind people, while it’s impossible to fully “separate” work and personal personas (after all, we are all each ONE person :-) Virtual Geek is a personal blog, and the words I write are mine and mine alone.

I’m one of the two exec sponsors for EMC’s LGBT Association (along with my friend and colleague Kathrin Winkler who also leads EMC’s sustainability efforts), and it’s Pride Month – and I wanted to share publicly the internal message we posted. 

I really deeply, personally believe in the principle of treasuring diversity in all forms.   I believe it makes a society, a team stronger – just like biodiversity makes an ecosystem stronger.  Likewise, homogenous/non-diverse ecosystems are fragile, and struggle to deal with change.  

Also, respect for diversity is principle is somewhat like freedom of speech – I respect the principle of diversity such that I respect the diverse views of people that disagree with me, and me with them, and I will fight vigorously for their right to disagree with me (within the bounds of the law of course).

I’m proud of the clear position the company took on the recent situation in Indiana and Texas.   Change happens slowly, then all at once.

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As executive sponsors of ELGBTA, EMC's employee circle for allies of our LGBT friends and family, it is our pleasure to welcome all EMC staff to the start of Pride Month 2015!

Pride Month is celebrated each year to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had locally, nationally, and internationally. At locations around the world, Pride activities are often held in June to mark turning points in LGBT history, such as the Stonewall Riots in the U.S., leading to organized efforts to confront and challenge discrimination.

At EMC, Pride Month means even more.  Diversity of thought, diversity of experience – frankly diversity in all forms – is critical everywhere, certainly at EMC.

Pride Month is a time for conscious celebration of who we each are as individuals.  Pride month is a time for reflection of what we each uniquely bring to enrich our teams, families, community and EMC as a company.    

We both think that this reflection and celebration is something that holds true for all of us - regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, sexual preference or identity, age, or physical ability.  And it is an opportunity for us to take time out to honor our common shared sense of decency, purpose, and humanity.

We are incredibly proud of being part of a global EMC community that knows diversity makes our company stronger by feeding innovation and giving us a deeper understanding of our customers and business partners. Even more, it broadens our own perspectives as individuals and expands our appreciation for our teammates.  We are especially proud this year of the public stance that EMC has taken in favor of LGBT rights and non-discrimination for all of our employees. 

Activities in honor of Pride Month will be announced on Inside EMC, and on the ELGBTA mailing list, which is open to all. Keep an eye out for events in your local office. 

Additionally, we're excited to announce that EMC will be sponsoring Pride Parades in Boston on June 13, in London on June 27, and in Seattle on June 28. Our theme this year is "Embrace"; a reminder to embrace our differences, and our opportunities. We will be there, shouting our pride in being part of the EMC community, and we hope you'll be marching with us. Let's make this a record turnout!

Pride is not something we feel only for one month per year. We feel it every day when we look at our amazing colleagues and what we have achieved as a company.  Let's use this month as a reminder and an opportunity celebrate diversity and to bring our voices together to say thank you!