Spreading love, embracing diversity and striving for equality is what Pride Month is all about. Every June, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) community and allies come together to celebrate the freedom to be their true selves.
For Christina Kendrick, manager of financial planning and analysis at ComEd, Pride Month is a time to reflect on the progress the LGBTQ community has made toward equality.
“Pride Month becomes a focal point for celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities,” Kendrick said. “It’s a point of reflection, a point of how far the community has come and how much farther we have to go.”
Although injustice remains, Kendrick says the LGBTQ community has come a long way.
“The next generation of people grew up with gay aunts and uncles, it’s been so normalized,” she said. “Media has also helped normalize LGBTQ culture.”
Kendrick adds that it’s the people you surround yourself with who make a big difference when achieving inclusiveness. She is proud to be part of a company that embraces diversity and inclusion all year round.
“Working for an organization that increases the inclusiveness means I can bring my full self to work,” Kendrick said. “It’s important to work for a company that makes sure everyone has a voice, that we are not living in a bubble and that we are representing the communities we serve.”
As a leader in the organization’s employee resource group, PRIDE, Kendrick represents and advocates for LGBTQ rights in the workplace. She plans events, volunteers and serves as a voice for LGBTQ employees throughout the company.
Kendrick is joining PRIDE at the Aurora and Chicago pride parades this month and encourages others to celebrate, even if they don’t identify as LGBTQ.
“I would encourage others to celebrate by being introspective,” she said. “What are the challenges and benefits in your life? Realize those and accept those of others.”
Christina Kendrick representing ComEd at the Aurora pride parade
