We are Better Together

Contributed by J. Scott Evans, Director of Trademark at Adobe & Lead of AdobeProud Employee Network

Four years ago, we were riding high on a wave of positive developments for the LGBTQ+ community. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld marriage equality in a historic ruling right before the PRIDE celebrations in many cities around the world. The LGBTQ+ community also seemed to be making ever-increasing inroads for equality with local communities, passing ordinances against discrimination based on sexual orientation in local housing and employment. The world was changing at a pace I could never have imagined as a young man back in Texas in the 1980’s.

What a difference four years can make!

During the last three years we have seen a barrage of U.S. state legislation aimed at eroding many of the hard-fought accomplishments for LGBTQ+ rights gained in the last 10 years. We have also witnessed the unbridled incivility of the discourse around LGBTQ+ rights. I struggle with this erosion of rights, especially for those in the trans community. It can be disheartening. It can be infuriating. However, I feel that it is more important than ever that members of the LGBTQ+ community avoid “taking the bait.” I believe the best message for us to deliver the world is that we are above the harsh, intolerant rhetoric and abusive discourse. We are better together!

It is with this sentiment in mind that the AdobeProud Employee Network decided on this year’s PRIDE theme. We chose “Better Together” because we wanted to highlight that LGBTQ+ individuals are the members of many different subgroups throughout society at large and Adobe in particular: Asian, black, disabled, Hispanic, women, veterans, attorneys, designers, engineers, marketers, and many more. LGBTQ+ individuals are members of all these groups, and also positive and creative members of these diverse communities. In these uncertain times, we must remember that we must celebrate the reality of our intersectionality by supporting not only the members of the LGBTQ+ community but all members of the human race. So, during this month of PRIDE, I issue you a challenge. Among all the celebrating, reach out and take on a project to make the world a better place. Let’s show the world that we are all BETTER TOGETHER.

Learn more about Adobe’s 2019 Pride campaign by visiting our Spark page.