June Is Pride Month

Commemorating the Stonewall Riots

Each June, the LGBTQ+ community (and allies) commemorate the Stonewall Riots (1969) with a wide range of celebrations and peaceful protests — called Pride Month. During the 1950s and 1960s, sexual identity — specifically, being “gay” — was not spoken about or publicly expressed due to American societal norms that viewed homosexuality as a taboo and mental disorder.  

Stonewall Riots 

This community pushed for acknowledgment and stood against the government because of it. In the early hours of June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay nightclub located in Greenwich Village. The raid sparked a riot among bar patrons and neighborhood residents as police roughly hauled employees and patrons out of the bar, leading to six days of protests and violent clashes with law enforcement. The Stonewall Riots subsequently served as a catalyst for the gay-rights movement in the U.S. and around the world. 

Openness & Authenticity 

Organizations thrive when employees are empowered to be themselves at work. At AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy, it’s critical for us to create a culture of openness and authenticity — especially from communities who have historically had to hide or edit who they are in the workplace to be accepted. We believe honest interpersonal relationships are vital to a strong and successful business. And we make sure our LGBTQ+ team members know that our workplace is a safe space to be themselves. 

Our LGBTQ+ Alliance 

Prism — our company’s team member resource group — offers an opportunity for LGBTQ+ team members and allies to connect with one another, learn about a range of relevant topics and have their voices heard. Officially launched in September 2021, Prism created a dedicated online resource center with a variety of resources — an interactive channel to engage members and quarterly events to educate on LGBTQ+ issues.  

Using this channel, team members have shared their stories, educated themselves on complex topics and even proposed ideas to help our organization strengthen its impact on LGBTQ+ patients. We are excited to see how the group continues to develop, helping to  create an inclusive space for patients, partners and team members.