"This is extra important during a time where workplaces are (unfortunately) shying away from these simple but necessary conversations."
I wrote those words in a Slack thread last week, asking our team to share LGBTQ+ movies, shows, or books that everyone should experience. What followed was everything I hoped for, and exactly what we need more of in workplaces everywhere.
The Thread That Started It All
It started with a simple question: Which LGBTQ+ work of art should everyone experience, and why? The responses poured in, offering a window into how stories shape us, connect us, and remind us of our shared humanity.
Julian kicked us off with Bridegroom, a documentary that "powerfully illustrates love is love" while showing the real-world importance of marriage equality. Jill championed We're Here and Queer Eye, noting how these shows "break down stereotypes and remind us how connection, vulnerability, and self-expression can bring people from all walks of life closer together."
Beck shared Love Lies Bleeding, a film she discovered at Sundance. Ramel went for the classics with Pose, Moonlight, and Paris is Burning, calling the latter "amazing, educational, and a vibe." Jordan shared a favorite read, Song of Achilles, praising how it "challenges traditional heteronormative perspectives" through an ancient Greek love story. Erin chimed in with Portrait of a Lady on Fire and Heartstopper.
Each recommendation trickled in thoughtfully — with each BAMf sharing why they loved it and why it mattered.
Why This Conversation Matters (Especially Now)
Here's the thing: In 2025, conversations about Pride at work shouldn't feel radical. But it does sometimes, doesn't it?
We're living through a time when many workplaces are pulling away from anything DEI, when "staying neutral" has become code for staying silent, and when the fear of saying the wrong thing has led to saying nothing at all. But here's what I've learned at BAM: the cost of silence is always higher than the cost of showing up imperfectly.
In asking BAMfs to share these stories, it's not about making a radical statement. We're just making a human one. We're saying: your experiences matter, your stories deserve to be heard, and your whole self belongs here.
The Power of Seeing Yourself (And Others) in Stories
What struck me most about our Slack thread wasn't the array of recommendations, though that was beautiful. It was how each person connected personally to their choices. Jill didn't just list-off two shows. She focused on how they reveal "the humanity, courage, and joy in LGBTQ+ lives."
This is what happens when we create space for authentic sharing: People offer more than 'just' participation. They show up and contribute.
What We're Really Talking About
At core, this conversation isn't about movies and books. It's about representation. It's about the relief of seeing yourself reflected in media. It's about the learning that comes from seeing lives, different from your own, portrayed with complexity and dignity.
It's about the teenager who might see Heartstopper and realize they're not alone. The adult who watches Pose and gains deeper understanding of resilience and community. The person who reads Hola Papi: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons and feels seen in ways they didn't expect.
These stories educate, validate, and connect us.
The Workplace We're Building
This Slack thread (and others like it) happened because we've spent years building a culture where people feel safe to share authentically. Where diversity and belonging aren't quarterly initiatives, but instead a daily practice. Where Pride month isn't just rainbow emojis (thought we love those, too) but a genuine celebration of LGBTQ+ stories year-round.
And we know we're not perfect. We're still learning, still growing, still having conversations about how to do better. The difference is, we're having them.
Your Turn
Whether you're a leader, a team member, or someone trying to figure out how to show up better for your LGBTQ+ colleagues, here's BAM's challenge: Start simple. Ask a question. Share a story. Create space for someone else to be seen.
Maybe you start your own thread. Maybe you add a book to your reading list. Maybe you just let your teammate know that their authentic self is welcome in your workspace.
The conversations we're shying away from aren't actually complicated. They're about recognizing that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the world, including at work.
In a world that can feel divided, there's something powerful about a group of colleagues getting excited about sharing stories that moved them. There's something hopeful about choosing connection over silence.
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