DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
STATEMENT
At Badge Of Pride, we are unwavering in our commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We acknowledge that white supremacy, settler-colonialism, sexism and cissexism are enduring systems of hierarchy, division, and exploitation that create significant inequities in our communities. These systems do not operate in isolation. Oppression is mutually constituted based on categories including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, Indigeneity, social class, disability, religion, and immigration status. Just as all forms of inequality are interconnected, so are all forms of justice. Working for racial justice, Trans equality, economic justice, and all forms of social justice are core values of Badge Of Pride.

OUR COMMITMENT
ACKNOWLEDGING AND ADDRESSING SYSTEMS OF OPPRESSION
We recognize the pervasive impact of white supremacy, settler-colonialism, sexism and cissexism and commit to actively dismantling these systems within our organization and the broader community. We understand that these forms of oppression intersect with other systems of hierarchy and exploitation, and we are dedicated to addressing the full spectrum of injustices.
DIVERSITY
We celebrate the diversity of identities, experiences, and perspectives within our community. We actively seek to include and uplift voices from all backgrounds, recognizing that our strength lies in our differences. We strive to reflect this diversity in our leadership, volunteers, and the histories we share.
EQUITY
We are dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for all. This involves recognizing and addressing systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality. We are committed to implementing policies and practices that promote fairness, justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.
INCLUSION
We aim to foster an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered. True inclusion means creating spaces where all voices are welcomed, differences are respected, and every person can fully participate and contribute. We understand that inclusion requires ongoing effort and dedication.
AFFIRMING INTERSECTIONALITY
We acknowledge that individuals experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and marginalization. Our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion intentionally considers these overlapping identities and seeks to address the unique challenges faced by those who navigate them.
PROACTIVE SOLIDARITY
To effectively support all people within the LGBTQ+ community, Badge Of Pride commits to proactively working in solidarity against white supremacy, xenophobia, ableism, capitalist exploitation, religious bigotry, and all forms of cis-heteropatriarchy. We believe in the power of collective action and allyship in creating meaningful change.
ANTI-RACISM
We recognize that racism is pervasive in our society - including within the LGBTQ+ community - and we unconditionally reject it in all forms, embracing the necessary change to dismantle systems of injustice and inequity. We commit to being open, transparent, and accountable, centering the voices of Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) communities in our work, and aiming to create lasting change by listening, learning, and amplifying marginalized voices and histories. We fully embrace and take to heart this lesson on anti-racism, as published by the National Museum Of African American History & Culture.
CENTERING INCLUSIVE HISTORY
We recognize that much of Queer history is and has been fragmented, and that the very nature of privilege - past and present - has dictated whose histories are and have been preserved. We commit to telling the diverse and inclusive histories of the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing that our stories are rich with intersections of identity, struggle, and triumph. By centering these narratives, we honor the full spectrum of our community's experiences and work towards a more just and inclusive future.
GOALS AND ACTIONS
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Celebrate diverse cultures and heritage in solidarity with trusted community leaders.
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Seek out cultural celebrations in the community to find appropriate ways to include and support LGBTQ+ community members.
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Be consistent and inclusive of all Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Transgender & Gender Non-conforming (TGNC) groups to demonstrate commitment and build trust.
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Prioritize TGNC and BIPOC experts, communities, and needs in the majority of programs.
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Nothing about us without us: Center the voices of affected community members in programs, panel discussions, and sponsored events.
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Build meaningful relationships with TGNC and BIPOC community leaders, including LGBTQ+ allies.
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Value TGNC and BIPOC expertise through opportunities to lead programs and consult on a range of topics, including but not limited to cissexism, race, and racism.
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Create a speaker’s bureau of relevant experts to participate in panels and events.
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Publicize appropriate collaborations and diversity work to help raise the visibility of partner organizations and demonstrate positive inclusion.
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Work against the lasting impact of bias and exclusion that have been experienced within LGBTQ+ spaces.
At Badge Of Pride, fostering diversity, promoting equity, and ensuring inclusion are not just priorities—they are fundamental to our mission and success. We are dedicated to building a world where everyone, regardless of their identity, has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact. This statement is also available as a document here.
RELATED: Badge Of Pride's Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity (EEO) Policy