June ED&I Monthly Update

By Jackie Keogh

Throughout June, Pride traces its roots to the Stonewall Uprising of June 1969, when LGBTQ+ patrons at the Stonewall Inn in New York City bravely resisted a police raid. Today, Pride Month
commemorates that pivotal moment in history while reaffirming the importance of creating safe,
welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive—at work, in our communities, and beyond.

Media Recommendations

Podcast:

• Making Gay History with Eric Marcus– Hear firsthand stories from LGBTQ+ trailblazers. Lots of
• episodes to choose from!
• Documentary: Stonewall Uprising from American Experience | PBS – Hear firsthand of those who were a part of the Stonewall Uprising. Wonderful accounts of the events that took place, with real footage from that day. Though a dated documentary (~10-15 years or so), the voices heard in this documentary are impactful.

The LGBTQ+ National Hotline provides confidential peer support and resources. Call 1-888-843-4564 or visit https://lgbthotline.org/ You are not alone — support is always available.


Allyship

While not all LGBTQ+ professionals in transportation are publicly visible, it’s vital to recognize that inclusivity is a shared responsibility. Allyship means actively creating workplaces and industries where LGBTQ+ colleagues feel seen, valued, and safe. In transportation where equity, access, and community impact are central, this can take many forms: supporting policies that promote fairness, using inclusive language, amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, and advocating for equitable mobility solutions.
This Pride Month and beyond, let’s commit to building an environment where diversity in all forms strengthens our work and enriches the communities we serve.

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and Reflection

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, is a powerful reminder of both the progress made and the work that remains in the pursuit of racial equity and justice. It marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. The delay in delivering freedom reflects the broader struggles Black Americans have faced in the fight for equality. Juneteenth has since become a day of reflection, education, and celebration of Black culture, resilience, power, and impactful contributions to our society in all levels of life.

Media Recommendations

• On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed — A blend of memoir and history reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth.
• The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson — The epic story of America’s Great Migration.
• Four Hundred Souls (edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain) — A community history of African America from 1619 to today.
• Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom (PBS) — A documentary exploring the role of faith and resilience in Juneteenth’s legacy.
• 13th (Netflix) — A deep look at the history of racial inequality and the criminal justice system in the U.S.
• High on the Hog (Netflix) — A docuseries exploring the influence of African American cuisine and culture.
• The 1619 Project by The New York Times - a great read!