Pride Month is a time dedicated to uplifting, celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. This month is typically filled with Pride parades, drag brunches and plenty of rainbow gear. But how can we celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community without rainbow washing?
This is especially important for companies to consider. When employers are disingenuous with their diversity initiatives, it shows. In fact, 44 percent of surveyed LGBTQIA+ employees feel that they were only hired to hit diversity goals, according to data from HR consulting firm Veris Insights; another 65 percent stopped pursuing an employer because of a lack of representation within the company.
However, there are ways employers can authentically include and support LGBTQIA+ employees. Many companies have stepped up to the plate by matching donations to LGBTQIA+ organizations, providing consistent programming for employees and offering educational space for LGBTQIA+ people and allies alike.
These two companies show their commitment to LGBTQIA+ employees by doing all this and more. Plus, they ensure LGBTQIA+ programming and initiatives are prioritized throughout the year, not just for the month of June.
Built In Seattle sat down with the DoubleDown Interactive to learn about how they embrace, celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ employees all year long.
DoubleDown Interactive is a gaming company specializing in casino games and mobile game apps.
What activities are DoubleDown Interactive coordinating for Pride Month?
For years, DoubleDown Interactive has celebrated and shown support to the LGBTQIA+ community by hosting an annual Pride Bingo event where we raise donations for a local LGBTQIA+ organization. To participate, team members show proof of their donation to our Pride Committee in exchange for a bingo card(s) and every year we pick a different organization to support.
This year we are thrilled to share that all donations received, including DoubleDown Interactive company matched donations, will go to Gender Justice League. To make the event educational and even more special, we are excited to welcome Cookie Couture, as this year’s MC. We are also proud to partner with and show support to the Human Rights Coalition by providing HRC Pride swag to all team members.
How does DoubleDown Interactive support and empower the LGBTQIA+ members of your team?
It really starts with our recruitment process. We are in a creative industry which brings with it specific talent. How we recruit, initial conversations, and allowing every candidate and then team member to bring their whole selves to the company is essential.
Fostering an inclusive environment where individuality is expressed is important. We spread awareness and understanding of equity and inclusion with our teams through our membership with GSBA, the WA LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce. We also talk about the importance of Pride, share resources and encourage team members to show support, practice inclusivity and how to celebrate on their own as well.
Fostering an inclusive environment where individuality is expressed is important.”
Beyond the month of June, what are some examples of ways DoubleDown Interactive supports or advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community?
To start, we recognize the importance of how each person identifies, and encourage the use of pronouns. It is important that we come together as a community. We place value on supporting diverse communities and value how that brings different perspectives and experiences to our people and organization.
Throughout the year, we show support to not only local LGBTQIA+ owned businesses, but also BIPOC and women-owned businesses as well. We also offer a paid volunteer benefit where each team member can select an organization of their choice to be involved with at the level they are comfortable at. We are proud to support and be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community in many ways.
