GRID Alternatives is committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and diversity. This June, GRID Mid-Atlantic is proud to continue our tradition of celebrating Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community.
My name is Tyjuane Hodge, a graduate of GRID Mid-Atlantic’s Spring 2019 workforce training program and an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
It’s easy to forget that, at one point, the civil rights we have today didn’t exist. Even with the major strides we’ve made, the concepts around equity, inclusion, and diversity are still hard to grasp for many of us. This is why it’s important to remember our history, in order to not repeat our mistakes of the past and to evolve together.
Pride Month allows us to do just that. It commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which began the equality movement for the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month celebrates the beauty of diversity, and reminds us that we still have a long way to go in the fight against discrimination. It’s a time for celebration, peace, and love — for yourself and others. It’s a reminder that everyone should feel safe to be their authentic selves.
This Pride Month, and every day moving forward, I challenge you to not only stand with our LGBTQ+ friends and loved ones, but to be an ally with all marginalized communities — to say, “equal rights belong to everyone.”
I also challenge you to donate to organizations who keep equity, inclusion, and diversity at the forefront of the work they do. GRID Mid-Atlantic brings much needed diversity and access to jobs in solar. Your donation supports their no-cost solar installation training programs, like the one I graduated from, that creates a safe environment that encourages professional development for anyone who desires to participate.