New York Times bestselling author and LGBT activist Janet Mock joined Viacom employees for an in-house Lunch and Learn.
At Viacom, there was much celebrating to do this Pride Month.
“Pride Month is a reminder to celebrate who you are and thank the ones who have come before us to pave the way to actually be able to publicly celebrate and love,” said John Hreha, co-chair of internal employee resource group, Emerge. “Viacom’s commitment to diversity is also paving the way in the LGBT community with a dedicated channel [LOGO TV] celebrating and showcasing the lifestyle.”
Viacom’s Office of Global Inclusion and Emerge (an employee resource group for LGBT employees and straight allies) organized a series of screenings and panels for employees throughout the month, including a cocktail networking event with HBO and panel discussion hosted by Live Out Loud. New York Times bestselling author and LGBT activist Janet Mock joined the Viacom employees for an in-house Lunch and Learn, which was an enlightening treat for all.
“Emerge events build a community among Viacom employees,” said Angelina Darrisaw, Senior Manager of Digital Business Development and moderator of the Lunch and Learn discussion. “It’s a resource for educating employees, creating an inclusive environment, and interacting with executives who are LGBT as well.”
Ms. Mock talked about her experience living as a transgender woman “passing” as a natural-born woman, and the whirlwind her life has been since she came out in Marie Clare magazine.
“I was tired of feeling like I was performing only a part of myself,” said Mock. “I felt myself holding back facts about my childhood from my friends.” Ms. Mock went on to discuss ways she plans to lead the LGBT conversation rather than being the subject of it, and was also kind enough to leave us copies of her memoir, Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love, & so much more.
Pride Month wraps up with Logo TV’s Trailblazers, a one-hour special featuring celebrities, politicians, activists, and trendsetters who are transforming our cultural landscape.
The television special premieres during the most historic week of gay rights—the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and on the one-year anniversary of DOMA being overruled. As a tribute, former President Bill Clinton will honor Edie Windsor and Roberta Kaplan, two of the catalysts behind that momentous achievement.
Trailblazers will also honor Brooklyn Nets center, Jason Collins as well as the groundbreaking series Orange Is the New Black for its historic efforts to overcome bias and inspire LGBT equality.
You can tune into Trailblazers on Logo TV tonight, June 26 at 9/8c.
The post Stand Up for Love: Celebrating Pride Month at Viacom appeared first on Viacom Corporate.