The Container Store celebrates Pride Month and joins the global effort of advocating for equal rights and equitable access for LGBTQ+ people. LGBTQ+ is an acronym that describes a person's sexual orientation or gender identity and stands for "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning)," and others. The "+" represents other sexual identities and the tremendous diversity of people who are same/similar gender-attracted and transgender.
As part of our efforts in advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion, we are strengthening our relationship with Out & Equal, the premier organization working exclusively on LGBTQ+ workplace equality. In June, the company is hosting a giving campaign through which employees and customers can support Out & Equal's work to provide LGBTQ+ executive leadership development, comprehensive Diversity & Inclusivity training and consultation, and professional networking opportunities that build inclusive and welcoming work environments. The Container Store has committed $15,000 to help Out & Equal deliver a series of educational experiences and resources to our employees and partners.
The education provided by Out & Equal is a core element of The Container Store allyship curriculum and will address topics including the Fundamentals of Day to Day LGBTQ+ Inclusion at Work and Intersectional Allyship in the Workplace. Throughout the month of June, our Pride Employee Resource Group will hosting a series of programs and activities organized that are aimed to celebrate, educate, and increase awareness of the LGBTQ+ culture and experience.
Here's how we're celebrating Pride Month...
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023 our Pride Employee Resource Group is hosting United in Equity, a conversation about allyship and advocacy for all. The esteemed panelists include Matthew Coons, XERO, and Tyler Long, founder of Trinity Pride in Fort Worth, and will be moderated by Sean Calvin, chair of the Pride Employee Resource Group. The event will stream live and be recorded so our teams across the country can watch, learn, and engage.
We are also inviting our employees to participate in our Pride Week of Service. On the weekend of June 24-26, we are asking everyone to commit to volunteer two hours with an organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community to help us reach our 10,000-hour service impact goal! Plus, our stores and distribution centers received Celebration Kits containing giveaways for employees and items to decorate in the break room!
Customers will find signage throughout our stores and at the registers detailing how we're commemorating Pride Month this year and how they can be involved. They will also be able to support of the giving campaign by making a donation.
Please join us in celebrating Pride Month by donating in support of Out & Equal or by participating in Pride parades and Life Walks happening around the country!
