Why a Pandemic Can’t Stop the PNW Chapter of Pride@SAP from Celebrating the LBGTQ+ Community

Devan Vaughn | 06-16-2020

June is Pride month, a time for greater visibility and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. The first Pride march was held on June 28, 1970 in New York City. Since then, annual Pride parades around the world have become events where the LGBTQ+ community and allies celebrate acceptance and advocate for advancements in civil rights protections. Like so many events during the pandemic, Pride this year has required a new format and experience.  

 

Pivoting Pride 

Pride@SAP PNW went to work when it was realized that the Seattle Pride Parade would be going virtual, and that the pandemic-related closure of our Bellevue, Washington office would prevent the group from hosting its annual in-office Pride celebration. How could they best support the local LGBTQ+ community with funds originally planned for the events? After much thought and partnership with the SAP Concur SMB Marketing and People Connection teams, along with the Greater Seattle Business Association (the largest LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce in North America), they announced a two-pronged approach that involves supporting queer- and minority-owned small businesses and donating to homeless youth.  

The group is directly funding meal and clothing donations purchased from these three queer-owned small businesses: 

  • Marination: Taco Wednesday meals for 50 homeless youth for 10 weeks (500 total meals) 

  • Café Flora: Tuesday dinners for 40 homeless youth for 4 weeks (160 total meals) 

  • Brand Pride: 460 clothing items for young people 

Who will be receiving the meals and clothing? Pride@SAP PNW teamed up with YouthCare, a nonprofit in Seattle that works to end youth homelessness. At YouthCare, 80% of the youth served are BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) and one-third are queer youth. Pride@SAP PNW has a longstanding partnership with YouthCare, having volunteered many times with the organization, so it was a natural fit. 

To augment the SAP Concur commitment, Pride@SAP PNW is hosting a virtual in-kind donation drive. SAP Concur employees can purchase additional meals and clothing from YouthCare’s wishlist to be delivered to YouthCare. 

Additionally, Erica Overfield (HR business partner, and yoga and mindfulness instructor) will lead a beginner-friendly yoga flow and seated meditation class open to all SAP Concur employees in honor of Pride month and the fight for equality. For every person that attends, Erica is making a personal $1 donation to Black Visions Collective, a black, trans, and queer-led organization in Minnesota that focuses on healing, creating systemic change, and justice for black lives. This event is a testament to the intersectionality of Pride and the allies who bring this intersection to the forefront. 

 

Allies and partnerships 

There is a strong connection between this work to support minority-owned small businesses and other initiatives at SAP Concur to support SMBs.  

“This is a natural and inspiring extension of our organization’s broader work to support small businesses struggling to keep the lights on during the pandemic,” said SAP Concur Chief Marketing Officer Chris Juneau. “What I love about the Pride Committee’s effort is that it brings together two movements so close to our hearts: supporting the LGBTQ+ community and the small businesses that power our economy.”  

Juneau, who serves as the executive sponsor of Pride@SAP’s PNW chapter and recently wrote about his experiences as an ally, added the SAP Concur organization is involved in a range of efforts to support small businesses. SAP Concur is holding free virtual consulting sessions to help SMBs adapt, and has joined with partners such as American Express’s ‘Stand For Small’ campaign and the Covaid Business Festival to provide needed resources and guidance tuned to today’s challenges. 

 

A bigger mission 

Pride@SAP maintains a responsibility to give back during the current pandemic and racial injustice crises. Across SAP globally, Pride chapters are hosting more than 50 events and engagements during June. It’s more than just a socializing and networking group – it’s a space for LGBTQ+ SAP Concur employees and supporters to create real change. They advocate for community equity where they work and live, while raising awareness of the business value of full inclusion and authenticity. A big part of this mission is giving back to their local communities, and with this year’s Pride pivot, they’re living their values out loud.