TextNow Pride 2023

Employee Resource Groups are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the organizations they serve.

Our LGBTQ+ ERG (aka TextNow Pride) is our resource group focused on issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ community and allies. The Pride ERG meets monthly to discuss ways to elevate and celebrate LGBTQ+ people at TextNow and beyond – through roundtable discussions, panel talks, and of course, road trips!

June is Pride Month as I’m sure you know, and boy are we ready to celebrate at TextNow! Our TextNow Pride Employee Resource Group hit the road to represent us at our local Tri-City Pride 2023 event.

TextNow Pride has taken the initiative to shed light on remarkable queer heroes within the Pride movement through our company Slack. We aim to showcase individuals who have made significant contributions and served as inspirations to the LGBTQ+ community. By highlighting these notable figures, we celebrate their achievements and honor their invaluable contributions towards the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Check them out below:

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Sylvia Rivera
A transgender activist and founding member of the Gay Liberation Front and Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR).

Kristen Worley
A Canadian cyclist and LGBTQ+ activist, Kristen Worley fought against discriminatory policies in sports. Her advocacy led to changes in policies and practices related to transgender athletes, ensuring inclusivity and fair treatment.

Barbara Gittings
A lesbian activist who played a vital role in the American Library Association's inclusion of LGBTQ+ literature.

And last, but in no way the least, TextNow Pride will be hosting a panel for our employees to learn more about the history and artistry of drag fromL Anni Elation, Caligula and Oliver Twisted

TextNow values and understands the diverse perspectives individuals from the LGBTQ+ community contribute to make our product more inclusive and our culture more vibrant and collaborative. Since 2021, TextNow has been involved with organizations like OUT in Tech to grow representation of LGBTQ+ individuals on teams and we are excited to see representation growing for LGBTQ+ Textnovians from 12% in 2021 to 16% in 2023. Through continued events, outreach, education, and community impact our goal is to continue on the path to celebrating Pride 365!

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