Happy Pride Month! The month of June is a time for Pride events that commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City on June 28, 1969. At Vagaro, we firmly stand with our LGBTQIA+ employees, businesses & users. We recognize & value the diverse identities and experiences within this vibrant community, and we stand committed to doing our part in advocating for an inclusive & safe society for all. Don’t forget—if you’re a Vagaro business that shares these values, you can add the LGBTQIA badge to your profile through your settings, letting your clients know all are welcome! We hope you enjoy getting to know some of our employees in this article who are part of the community & learning what it means for some of our business owners who run their empires with respect & an equality-based mindset.
DAVID MUMPHREY (HE/HIM)
What is your role here at Vagaro? I’m a Vagaro Merchant Services Specialist.
What does Pride mean to you on a personal level, and how do you typically celebrate or engage with Pride events & activities?
For me, it’s a time of the year to highlight the impact & beauty in queer people today and throughout the history of time. Every day is Pride for me, but especially in June. I’ve marched in several SF Pride parades and volunteered working at some events in Oakland and San Francisco.
##Which challenges or obstacles, as a member of this community, have you faced and how have you navigated to overcome them?
I was 14 years old and a star athlete on the football field when I came out. I had no intentions at the time of sharing openly and didn’t feel as supported in certain spaces. I struggled as most people have with feeling acceptance from peers and family members. However, I had to learn who I was and realize that I did not need acceptance from anyone but myself. I’m glad that I can walk confidently and embrace myself fully knowing that I am a good person and care about my community.
How do you find support within the LGBTQIA+ community, and what role does that support play in your life?
I have participated in various LGBTQIA+ support groups and find welcoming spaces that cater to LGBTQIA+ people. But I find that the real support comes from those who care about me & love me. It’s nice to see family and friends who recognize me for the values that make me who I am. Without the support of family and friends, it can feel very lonely, forcing me to focus on my goals, interests and talents. Everyone wants to feel seen and affirmed in the most sincere way by those they love.
In what ways do you see progress being made for LGBTQIA+ rights & inclusion, and what areas do you believe still require attention & improvement?
There are some progressions since I was a child in the sense that queer representation in media and professional spaces has increased and become more widely accepted socially. LGBTQIA+ persons experience the highest rates of homelessness, especially those of color and those who identify as transgender. There can be some improvements on housing and medical resources for them to easily access.
Have you ever encountered stereotypes or misconceptions about the LGBTQIA+ community that you wish people understood better?
One of the biggest misconceptions are that queer people have an agenda to make everyone accept or become LGBTQIA+. The truth is, we have been around since the beginning of time, and we are not in need of acceptance or validation. It’s more important for me to be seen and respected as an individual.
In what ways do you believe allies can enhance their advocacy efforts to better support & uplift the LGBTQIA+ community?
Unlearn conditioned homo/transphobic behaviors and educate yourself on how queer people are positively impacted when they are affirmed and shown love and respect as individuals.
What advice would you give to someone who may be struggling with their identity or facing challenges as an LGBTQIA+ individual?
Believe in yourself and know that you are exactly the person you were born to be! No one is perfect, so remember to be kind to yourself and move with purpose.
ARYA GOLD (SHE/HER & THEY/THEM)
What is your role here at Vagaro?
My current role is a Customer Support VMS Specialist. My prime objective is to improve the experiences that our businesses have with Vagaro, with a particular emphasis on merchant services-related inquiries. I strive to highlight the nuanced value that our software has to offer during my interactions with businesses.
What does Pride mean to you on a personal level, and how do you typically celebrate or engage with Pride events or activities?
Pride, to me, is a time to celebrate the power and value of queer existence. Our existence has irrevocable worth all year round and Pride is a wonderful time to highlight that fact. I typically like to go on hikes with other queer people during Pride Month and host jigsaw puzzling parties.
Which challenges or obstacles, as a member of this community, have you faced and how have you navigated to overcome them?
The truth is, even in 2023, living as a Black, queer, and transgender person comes with its challenges. I choose to lean into establishing meaningful connections with more people to foster deeper understanding between us and less apprehension about engaging in our shared humanity. There’s so much power and beauty in sharing the ways in which we are unique. I believe the answer to navigating challenges is to face them, head-on, with an open mind and an open heart. It leads to less fear and fosters more compassion between people from different backgrounds.
How do you find support within the LGBTQIA+ community, and what role does that support play in your life?
There are so many outlets for establishing community these days. I connect in a variety of ways, mainly through volunteering for & attending queer events.
In what ways do you see progress being made for LGBTQIA+ rights & inclusion, and what areas do you believe still require attention & improvement?
I think we have to continue listening to the experiences of queer people and implement the changes so many of us vocalize, both inside and outside of professional spaces.
Have you ever encountered stereotypes or misconceptions about the LGBTQIA+ community that you wish people understood better?
One thing I want more people to understand is that there is a difference between gender expression and gender identity. People of all genders can exhibit femininity, masculinity, and androgyny. These things don’t make or break one’s gender.
In what ways do you believe allies can enhance their advocacy efforts to better support & uplift the LGBTQIA+ community?
I think allies can support queer and transgender people in achieving our goals, especially in professional settings. Make that job recommendation, mentor us, and help get us a seat at the table.
What advice would you give to someone who may be struggling with their identity or facing challenges as an LGBTQIA+ individual?
You have irrevocable worth and are never alone. There are people who will love and support you through good times & bad. This world needs you. You matter.
From the Business Perspective:
To learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community & the history behind Pride Month, click here. And if you’d like to run your business with software that matches your values, give Vagaro a try for free today!