Leadership Talks Pride Michael

Swire is committed to bolstering diversity and inclusion for all races, ethnicities, and sexualities. From proudly displaying the Pride flag throughout the month of June at Brickell City Centre to using inclusive language in our workplace and providing various educational programs such as “Lunch and Learns” about topics relevant to the LGBTQ+ community, Swire shows up for its LGBTQ+ employees internally and externally. Additionally, Swire partners with organizations like The Greater Miami Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the largest not-for-profit corporation in Miami-Dade County for gay and lesbian businesses.

Throughout June, Brickell City Centre will be putting on various Pride-themed events (our third year doing so!) including a collaboration with multidisciplinary artist Cynno and hosting Miami’s very own DJ Hottpants. Many of the retailers at BCC such as Lululemon, MAC Cosmetics, and Puttshack have voiced strong support for the LGBTQ+ community, so if you’re interested in supporting brands such as these, all the more reason to visit BCC this June.

Pride, however, shouldn’t be relegated to celebratory events only. Pride Month provides an opportunity for conversation and education at home and in the workplace. Many LGBTQ+ employees nationwide have experienced a negative interaction in their workplace. With so much of our lives being spent at work, it’s shocking that so many experience negativity in the workplace connected with one presenting as their authentic self.

Having volunteered with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, I’ve seen firsthand the necessity of education and conversation in facilitating change in workplaces. Many companies jump into Pride Month thinking that actions conducted in June will appease LGBTQ+ employees. Companies should instead prioritize an authentic approach to reaching these employees. This includes listening to employees and facilitating open and honest conversations – for the most part, LGBTQ+ employees are willing to have these difficult conversations about inclusion and equity in the workplace as long as their employers are willing to listen. From there, companies should work to make the financial or personal investments where needed, be it programs or educational opportunities and take a public stance of support be it through social media, flying the Pride flag, or including inclusive messaging on one’s website.

I am proud to be part of a community where living one’s authentic truth is valued over anything else. Pride Month is a powerful time to educate oneself and show allyship both in the workplace, by frequenting businesses owned by LGBTQ community members, and most simply, listening. We can work to make our world a better place by honoring each other’s differences and this month gives us ample opportunity to do so.

— Michael Sneed Director of Retail Marketing

Michael Sneed–Director of Retail Marketing