This past weekend, we took part in the 45th annual Boston Pride Parade. The Parade, held on Saturday, is part of Boston’s annual Pride Week. A record-breaking 25,000 people marched this year, celebrating the Boston area’s LGBTQ community while bringing together organizations, corporations, and individuals in the name of equality.
Microsoft New England had a group of about 25 marchers representing Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Employees at Microsoft (GLEAM) marching in this years parade. Throughout the march, which began in Copley Square, wrapped through the South End, and finished at Government Center, our team carried banners urging parade-goers to ‘Do Great Things’ and handed out swag — Microsoft beach balls, whistles, necklaces, chap sticks, and more — in support of the Boston LGBTQ community.
Clippy, the paperclip from Microsoft Word, also joined us as we marched along the route, posing for photos with fans and fellow mascots dressed for the occasion. Along the entire parade route, attendees cheered along with us, for us, AND for Clippy, and showed their support for Microsoft’s ‘This is Me’ campaign, particularly as the parade reached downtown Boston and the audience grew denser.
GLEAM isn’t just present during Pride, though. Year-round, the organization serves to promote workplace diversity and visibility, spreading awareness about the LGBTQ community and promoting LGBTQ-friendly changes in the workplace environment. As part of Microsoft’s commitment to workplace diversity and acceptance, the company was one of the first to offer employee benefits to same-sex domestic partners, and continues to strive for an open, diverse workplace environment that doubles as a safe space for all.
Happy Pride Month to all!
For more pics of GLEAM at the 2015 Boston Pride Parade, head to our Facebook Page.
Learn more about Microsoft’s actions toward workplace diversity with Microsoft GLEAM here.