What Pride Month Means to Me
Juliana Ojeda is the Program Associate at Green 2.0 where she works to support the administrative and programmatic operations of the organization. She is a graduate of the University of Florida earning a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a minor in Anthropology. Juliana loves being outdoors and has made it a goal of theirs to visit all 63 National Parks. She began with Green 2.0 as a 2021 fall fellow. In their second blog for Green 2.0, Juliana answers questions about the importance of commemorating Pride Month.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for an organization like Green 2.0 to celebrate Pride Month?
I think it’s important for organizations like ours to celebrate Pride Month to show current and prospective future employees that we are embracing and welcoming those who identify as LGBTQ+. LGBTQ+ people want to work in an environment where they know they’ll be respected and welcomed, and celebrating Pride Month is among one of the many things organizations can do to show that.
Q: Can you give details on the Pride Month event that Green 2.0 is hosting later this month?
Our Pride Month event is called “LGBTQ+ Leaders of Color on an Intersectional Environmental Movement,” and it will highlight some of the amazing LGBTQ+ leaders of color in the environmental movement while holding a conversation around how we can continue to create an inclusive sector.
Green 2.0 is partnering with Power Shift Network for “LGBTQ+ Leaders of Color on an Intersectional Environmental Movement,” taking place on Tuesday, June 28, from 3-4 p.m. EDT. Register here.
Q: What does Pride Month mean to you? How are you celebrating it?
Pride Month to me, means a celebration of myself as I am. It’s also a great moment to feel the connection to the queer community, past and present. I’m celebrating by attending the Pride Parade here in Washington, D.C.
Q: What is something about Pride Month that you would like to share that you think many people don’t know?
The LGBTQ+ community is still facing many obstacles that don’t allow us to fully live as ourselves, Pride Month serves as a reminder of the progress that still needs to be made.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about Pride Month?
While Pride Month is a great celebration of LGBTQ+ people, we should remember that it shouldn’t be limited to a month. Allies should support the LGBTQ+ community every day.
To learn more about Juliana and the entire Green 2.0 staff, click here.