Celebrating Pride Month

Group of LGBTQ+ gathering together to celebrate Pride Month.

Every year, Pride Month celebrates the influence of LGBTQ worldwide while also recognizing the continuing struggle for equal rights. During the month of June, hundreds of events are held to raise awareness of current issues facing the LGBTQ community and encourage inclusiveness.   

We are proud to share that this year TwinStar is a sponsor of Capital City Pride — Olympia’s annual celebration of its LGBTQ and allied communities. This year’s celebration is scheduled for July 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

TwinStar is committed to making everyone feel welcome regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Creating safe and inclusive environments for ALL our employees, members, and communities is very important to us. We address diversity and equity issues every day by: 

  • Using inclusive language
  • Removing binary gender wording  
  • Addressing misgendering and microaggressions 
  • Inviting employees’ chosen pronouns 
  • Providing LGBTQ DEI allyship and advocacy training
  • Creating and maintaining safe spaces for all, which are labeled with stickers at each of our branches
  • Sponsoring local LGBTQ events

We also have a Diversity Advisory Committee, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and an Employee Assistance Program — all of which are designed to support our employees and help them feel accepted and cherished for who they are. 

We support Pizza Klatch, an Olympia-based non-profit organization that holds support groups for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies during lunchtime at local high schools. TwinStar donated $8,000 to Pizza Klatch so that it could host support groups at Yelm High School for the entire 2022-23 school year. Also, this year, TwinStar donated an additional $2,000 to Pizza Klatch to help cover unexpected expenses. 

This month, please join us in celebrating how far we’ve come in advancing the rights of the LGBTQ community, while working to address the challenges it still faces. 

Together, let’s help make the world a safer and more welcoming place for people of all backgrounds and sexual orientation.