Rivery Pride Month 2022

A Brief History of Pride

Originally, Pride started as a celebration of the Stonewall Uprising. Today, Stonewall is a gay bar & National Historic Landmark.

The uprising at Stonewall Inn took place in Greenwich Village and was a response to police who would enter the bar in disguise to make arrests under false pretenses. The Stonewall Uprising was a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, and the echo of the first thrown brick still resonates today.

Pride at Rivery

This year, we spoke with two Rivery Vikings on what Pride means to them, how Rivery is promoting diversity, and how we can all be better allies to the LGBTQIA+ community: 

Francisco Munoz – Technical Support Engineer (USA)

What does Pride signify for you?

Pride month for me is a reminder that something that, for a long time for LGBTQIA+ people like myself may have previously been a source of shame and hurt, is actually something to be celebrated and a reason to rejoice. 

How does Rivery show the importance on diversity and inclusion?

Rivery shows its commitment to diversity and inclusion by fostering a working environment that is first of all welcoming and free of prejudice.

Although Rivery employees may come from different places and different backgrounds, these differences are celebrated and each employee’s uniqueness only strengthens our value and shared mission.

Why did you want to share this story in celebration of Pride month?

Pride month may seem to some a superficial party, but it’s important to remember LGBTQIA+ legal and social recognition in this country and around the world has been a decades long battle, which is still ongoing today. 

In the United States, there are 27 states that have no explicit statewide laws protecting people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodation. 

State legislators have in the most recent legislative session introduced more more 340 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills and three states have passed laws restricting the provision of transgender health care (e.g. in Alabama it has even been criminalized).

On a Federal level, the US Supreme Court appears ready to overturn decisions long considered super precedents and once again, deny federal protections to same sex marriage. 

All in all, LGBTQIA+ visibility remains crucially important and Pride month is an important part of continuing our fight for equality.

What can allies do to support Pride?

Supporting the right of LGBTQIA+ persons to live free and dignified lives and opposing laws and politics that go against this.

It also means proudly displaying support for LGBTQIA+ people, so that individuals who may not feel ready to publicly assume these identities feel more inspired to do so.

Sun Dery – Head of DevOps (Israel)

What does Pride signify for you?

Pride for me is to own what makes me different. In a way, it can’t be used to bully or shame me, since I’m proud of what differentiates me from others. I take the power from bullies and those who wish to make me feel ashamed, and use it to empower myself.

How does Rivery show it places importance on diversity and inclusion?

We, at Rivery, welcome everyone and everyone’s unique way of having fun. Whether it’s rock climbing or a VR party, going to the movies together, or just having a beer and playing some board games, we do it all as a family and everyone gets a taste of what other people consider as fun. 😃

You’ll always get invited to a very cool and diverse after-hours activity; no one is excluded, and everyone is always invited.

What made you want to share this story in celebration of Pride month?

I feel that nowadays, we easily divide ourselves into groups, cliques, departments, communities etc. We forget how much fun it can be to try something new, something we disregarded as “not for me.” But with the right approach and kind people around you, you can have a look into someone else’s hobbies, lifestyle, and way of work with an open mind.

I think that if we all embrace our oddities and all the parts of us that make us unique, and not always focus on the common, we’ll learn so much about one another, and come closer as a society.

Join Us! 🏳️‍🌈

Rivery is proud to be an advocate for workplace diversity and inclusion. We celebrate our differences as strengths and welcome everyone of all backgrounds to join our family of vikings.

As a small gesture, Rivery has donated to GLAAD in an effort to support their mission and help make a difference for LGBTQIA+ people around the world. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change.

If you’re seeking a new challenge in the data industry and looking for a vibrant, inclusive culture, check out our job openings to learn more!