Sunday marked the beginning of Pride Month—a time for celebration and unabashed strength in one’s own sexual identity and for allies, like me, unwavering support for others. This year, it feels more important than ever to say plainly: Integral is proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ colleagues, clients, friends, and families. We’re not backing off.
I’ll be honest: like a lot of leaders, I have real fears about where things are headed. Fear of powerful political figures. Fear of resurgent intolerances. Fear that hard-won rights will be eroded. But fear can’t be our compass. Courage must be. Values must be.
We recently released the fifth edition of the Integral Index, a national study of employee experience. It was conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll. Over the years, our findings have repeatedly included something that’s stayed with me, in the hardest way: LGBTQ+ employees continue to report a significantly worse experience at work than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
- They are less likely to feel supported.
- Less likely to say their employer’s values align with theirs.
- Less likely to believe their leaders mean what they say.
In this year’s study, only 57% of respondents identifying as LGBTQ+ said “People at my organization have the same opportunities regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or other demographic factors compared with 74% of hetero respondents.” In contrast, 74% of hetero respondents felt the same way. That 17-point gap serves as a stark reminder that equality in policy alone does not translate to equality in experience.
This saddens me. It frustrates me. And it calls us to action.
But the darkness of this data is not the end of the story. It’s the start of a new chapter.
At Integral, we believe the experience of work can and must be more human. That means belonging isn’t a box to check; it’s a culture to build. It means celebrating Pride not only when it’s popular, but especially when it’s not.
We’re designing programs, crafting communications, and shaping cultures alongside our clients. Our goal is to build organizations where LGBTQ+ people—and all people—can thrive.
And yes, we’re working on a version of our logo that transforms: from rainbow to raised fist, to heart. Because the rainbow isn’t just a symbol of joy—it’s a banner of resistance, of being yourself, regardless of who you love, and of pride.
To our fellow Integralistas and to everyone who makes the world a better, braver place by being themselves at work: we see you, we stand with you, and we are proud of you.
This Pride Month, we’re proud to stand alongside our client Converse and many others, whose ongoing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community continues to inspire us.
Converse’s “Proud to Be” campaign celebrates self-expression and identity, while backing it up with real action supporting grassroots organizations that are creating lasting change.
It’s just one example of how the companies we work with are using their platforms to lead with purpose and champion progress on the issues that matter.
Inspired by their leadership, Integral is proud to donate to two nonprofits that uplifts LGBTQIA+ voices. It’s our way of turning values into action and honoring the collective impact we can make when we stand together.
Here are two organizations Integral proudly supports:
The Center
For over 40 years, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center has been a vital lifeline for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, offering support, advocacy and a safe space to thrive. The Center meets the LGBTQ+ community’s evolving needs through a wide range of programs, including wellness and recovery, youth services, the arts and community empowerment.
GLAAD
GLAAD is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ rights and driving cultural transformation. GLAAD promotes fair, accurate and inclusive representation to foster greater acceptance of the LGBTQ community.