Celebrate LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Equity with DLC During Pride Month

June 3, 2022

Each June, millions around the world celebrate Pride Month in recognition and support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and nonbinary (LGBTQ+) community.

As we strive to create a fair, equitable and inclusive environment at Duquesne Light Company (DLC), please join us as we celebrate Pride Month in support of our neighbors, friends, family members and allies of those who identify as LGBTQ+.

The first Pride march was held in 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which sparked a movement for equity across the country. Pride is a communal celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity. It also is a time to honor activists like Harvey Milk and Marsha P. Johnson while remembering those who have lost to their lives to violence and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Pride Month recognizes the generations of LGBTQ+ Americans who have challenged discrimination, fought for equality, and continue to bring visibility to diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities.

While we celebrate progress, it is important to recognize the journey we still have ahead. Across the country, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face challenges, inequities, harassment and discrimination. This Pride Month, we encourage everyone to learn more about the experiences of other communities. We can all become better allies by committing to equity and inclusion as a society.

Some DLC employees have come together to create our newest Ally Circle, PRISM, which stands for Pride, Respect, Inclusion, Solidarity, and Mindfulness. PRISM aims to build mutual respect and inclusion for employees who identify as LGBTQ+. Group members will support one another while sharing experiences and fostering a company culture where all employees feel valued, included, respected and supported in the workplace.

Taking these steps allows us all to be part a solution that extends into the community and beyond.

DLC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council is highlighting several employees who identify as LGBTQ+ during June. The group is also sharing learning resources through cultural messages that will be presented at the start of company meetings throughout the month. And we’re encouraging employees to attend community Pride events and/or participate in Pride-related volunteer opportunities.

We’re looking forward to celebrating our coworkers for who they are and the talents they bring to the table daily to provide excellent service to more than 600,000 customers in the Pittsburgh region! These efforts will help us achieve our vision of a clean energy future for ALL.

Let’s continue to support one another collectively, so that we all feel safe, comfortable and respected.

Find out more about Pride Month and how you can practice inclusion.