Pride 2021: Celebrating past accomplishments and looking forward
![Panasonic Celebrates Pride](/sites/default/files/styles/trends_hero_desktop/public/2021-06/PrideMonth-1200.jpg?itok=L82n2aRS)
Pride 2021: Celebrating past accomplishments and looking forward
5 minAs a technology company, we are always looking forward. But all changemakers must acknowledge and honor the past upon which advances are built. Entering the month of June, we wanted to take some time to honor the history and celebrate the accomplishments of the LGTBQ+ community - and to look ahead and the challenges that remain and the work we can all do to address them together.
For this community and their dedicated allies, Pride isn’t confined to the days of the calendar. Even then, each June provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress and achievements made that improve the lives, rights and representation of the LGBTQ+ community. Of course, the choice to hold Pride during the month of June is no accident. It coincides with the Stonewall Riots in Greenwich Village in June of 1969. It is truly remarkable to consider how these fledgling protests led to so much positive change, to the emphatic denunciation of the shame and social stigma that had been too long imposed upon this community to the celebratory tone which is now embraced all over the globe every year throughout the month of June and beyond.
We wanted to highlight just a few members of our teams working to deliver our promise of a better life and a better world for all.
Andrew Currey
HR Project Manager, People Insights & Programs
What do you do at Panasonic?
I am a Project Manager for the People Insights & Programs team with PNA HR. My role is focused on transformation and continuous improvement initiatives, supporting PNA in a shared services capacity. I have the pleasure of working with stakeholders from different businesses and helping teams find better ways to collaborate. I also manage the High5 employee recognition platform.
What is your passion?
I am passionate about traveling, exploring new places and learning about different cultures. I have had the opportunity to visit 34 different countries and I hope to visit 1 new country every year. Next up on my bucket list is Peru, Croatia, Guatemala and Tanzania!
Are there any specific legacies or accomplishments that particularly resonate with you as we celebrate Pride?
The most poignant memory for me when it comes to celebrating accomplishments for the LGBTQ+ community is the 2015 Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage. I was traveling abroad at the time, returning home the following day and attending the Chicago pride parade that weekend. It was such an exciting atmosphere and I will always remember the love and joy I felt surrounded by allies and members of the community. For me, this decision and guarantee of equal rights gave me the confidence to express my true self and feel pride in my identity as a gay person.
Rose Farmar
Senior Employee Services Specialist
What do you do at Panasonic?
I am a member of the Employee Services team. We provide support to employees across the business units from answering employee questions to administering leaves of absence to project management and process automation. No two days are exactly alike!
What is your passion?
I love finding outlets for creativity and finding beauty in the world. I enjoy painting, crafting, karaoke, concerts and getting outdoors.
Are there any specific legacies or accomplishments that particularly resonate with you as we celebrate Pride?
I have always been inspired by those who came before us in the fight for equality, particularly Harvey Milk and the work he did for the LGBTQ+ community in the 1960s and 1970s. Harvey Milk was one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. He was unapologetic and loud about his identity as a gay man and gave hope to a community facing severe hostility and discrimination. His words played a major role in my decision to come out to my friends and family as Bi:
“Gay people, we will not win our rights by staying quietly in our closets. … We are coming out to fight the lies, the myths, the distortions. We are coming out to tell the truths about gays, for I am tired of the conspiracy of silence, so I’m going to talk about it. And I want you to talk about it. You must come out.”
Jabarry Goodridge
Associate Analyst - Talent Analytics
What do you do at Panasonic?
I am an analyst for the People Insights & Programs department within HR. In this role I am responsible for the collection and analysis of talent data to drive talent insights to support business decisions across North America. Through analytics we look to elevate people processes, functions & challenges to achieve sustainable business success.
What is your passion?
I am very passionate about mental health & wellbeing and raising awareness for those who struggle with these issues. This passion has led me to volunteer as a counselor at The Trevor Project; the leading national organization for providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young under 25.
Are there any specific legacies are accomplishments that particularly resonate with you as we celebrate Pride?
Throughout the years the stories of those who fought for many years for equality, have continued to inspire me. The bravery of individuals like Marsha P. Johnson, an American Gay Liberation Activist & Self-Identified Drag Queen has influenced me to challenge the status quo and address topics that maybe uncomfortable to some but ultimately will help us progress as people. Pride month gives an opportunity to increase visibility for the community and the Pride March has been something that for us in the community and our allies that continues to show the world that Love Wins. Being able to attend the Pride parade as a gay black man brings a feeling of gratitude and happiness knowing that all the work of those before us paid off.
Brian Klasewitz
Payroll Accounting Manager
What do you do at Panasonic?
I am a payroll accounting manager.
What is your passion?
I am passionate about photography.
Are there any specific legacies are accomplishments that particularly resonate with you as we celebrate Pride?
I am proud to be an ally as I feel everyone can make their own choices in life without fear of discrimination or repercussions.
Get Involved!
We encourage employees to participate in building a culture of connection, company pride and positive support by getting involved with the PNA PRISM Employee Network.
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