Pride lives here
Every year, the month of June provides a chance for members of the LGBTQ2+ communities to honour their history and to share and celebrate their Pride together. In the past, the month has culminated in festivals and other events in various cities. While things are different this year, an important truth remains: Pride lives in us. Diversity and inclusion are part of BMO’s DNA, so for us, this truth means a lot. So, we asked some BMO employees, “Where does your Pride live?” Here’s what they had to say:
Kei S., Expense Analyst, BMO Capital Markets – Chicago
“Every year my parents have a Christmas party for all of our friends and family. It’s something we look forward to every year. The first party after I came out, all my friends showed up wearing pronoun pins. I didn’t ask my friends to do that, but they took it upon themselves to do it for me. It meant a lot. It allowed me to feel like I could bring my whole self to this family party. My pride is in my family and my circle of friends. They’ve allowed me be who I truly am.”
Aneta O., Senior Manager, Data Governance, BMO – Toronto
“My pride lives when I run. I try to run 4-5 times a week. It’s my mental break. It helps me know who I am. While the Pride and Remembrance Run is cancelled this year, running is still my go-to – you can be yourself here. It’s a safe space that radiates. I wear my Pride and Remembrance Run t-shirts; they’re colourful with the rainbow. It’s a statement that life is still bright and we’re still part of the community. The thing about being in the LGBT community and running, it gives you a sense of belonging and also keeps you grounded. Every step you take is for you to move forward.”
Pride lives here.
There, in that smile is where Pride lives.
It lives here, in this skin, in these tears, in this embrace.
Pride lives in choosing happiness,
in speaking your truth aloud,
and in sharing your beauty with the world.
While Pride may look different this year,
it’s important to remember:
Pride is something we feel.
It lives in you. It lives in us.
Wherever we are, pride lives here.
BMO proudly stands with the LGBTQ2+ community as you celebrate your pride in all the beautiful and perfect ways that make you you.
At BMO, we take pride in our continued commitment to the LGBTQ2+ community as we work to further remove barriers to inclusion. BMO has been the sponsor of Toronto’s Pride and Remembrance Run since 1998, which has raised over $1.6 million for charities that support the LGBTQ2+ community. In December 2019, we launched True Name for personal debit cards in the United States so members of the transgender and non-binary community can put their chosen name on their cards. Our Pronoun Initiative further educated our employees to create a safe space for all our customers.
From all of us at BMO,
Happy Pride.
