It’s Pride Month. LGBTQ Pride Month, typically observed in June, honors the Stonewall Uprising while recognizing and celebrating the impact of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals throughout history. I can’t think of a better person to talk to about pride than WIF member, Karen Graci. Karen is the executive director of PFLAG Charlotte. PFLAG is an organization of parents, families, allies, and LGBTQ+ people whose mission is to create a caring, just, and affirming community for LGBTQ+ individuals and those who love them.  PFLAG was founded in 1973 by Jeanne Manford, a mother who believed in supporting her gay son. PFLAG Charlotte has been serving Charlotte for 36 years, supporting families, educating allies, and advocating for equality.

What follows are excerpts from a recent conversation with Karen.

Lisa: Karen, can you tell me what Pride Month is?

Karen: Thank you for having this conversation and sharing it with our WIF membership. Pride Month is a time to honor, learn, and grow in allyship with the LGBTQ+ community.

Lisa: Is there particular importance around Pride celebrations this year?

Karen:  This has been a difficult year for LGBTQ+ individuals. Over 650 pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation have been filed in 46 state legislatures across the country targeting LGBTQ+ youth. The legislation also disproportionately affects BIPOC trans and gender nonconforming people.

Lisa: 650 is a big number. If my math is correct, that is 14 pieces of legislation per state. Can you share more data about the LGBTQ+ community?

Karen: Sure. Data collected in 2018 shows that at least 40% of LGBTQ+ people are not out in their workplace. Data also shows that LGBTQ+ employees who are out feel safer, more empowered, and more creative and that organizations that get it right experience a more engaged workforce with less attrition, stronger innovation, and improved financial performance. Another interesting data point is that while 2% of Baby Boomers openly identify as LGBTQ+, over 15% of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+. We believe this trend is primarily due to heightened visibility, awareness, and education. Data also shows us that as LGBTQ+ elders age, some are returning to a closeted existence due to fear of being openly out in senior living spaces. People often feel the need to suppress their identities because they don’t feel safe.  LGBTQ+ individuals and communities have been marginalized for a very long time simply for being who they are.

Lisa: I love that PFLAG leads with love in its work. Can you talk about what your organization does to make our community more equitable? In particular, I’d love to know more about the work you do with area companies.

Karen: PFLAG provides peer support, outreach and advocacy, and education. We currently offer peer support groups in North Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, Union County, and virtually.  In the first six months of 2023, PFLAG Charlotte will have hosted close to two dozen LGBTQ+ allyship workshops for a wide range of area companies and organizations, including Atrium Health, Barings, Charlotte Prep, Credit Karma, Duke Energy, Lowe’s, Novant Health, Moore & Van Allen, OrthoCarolina, and Providence Day School. Last fall, EY (Ernst & Young) hosted PFLAG Charlotte’s first annual Corporate Connections gathering, an event that brought together 65 pride leaders and executive sponsors from more than 25 area companies to discuss important issues around inclusion and belonging. 

Lisa: I know that an important part of what you do is foster allyship. How does one begin the journey to becoming an ally?

Karen: My own allyship journey began around nine years ago, and the experience has been a life gift. We all have our own biases and comfort levels; we can be open to exploring them.  Read books, watch movies, shows, and documentaries to learn about LGBTQ+ history and lived experiences. Volunteer with or give to one of the many incredible organizations that serve LGBTQ+ communities. Book a PFLAG Charlotte workshop for your organization. And, of course, attend the Charlotte Pride parade on August 20, 2023, and remember that LGBTQ+ individuals and communities exist twelve months of the year.

Lisa: Thank you for all that you do in our community! Building equality and inclusion is important work.