June is Pride Month, and at Paycom, we’re excited to reflect upon the celebration’s history. We’ll also meet some Paycom team members helping us shape the future of our diversity efforts!
While celebrations and observances differ around the country, the origin of Pride Month goes back to a crucial tipping point in LGBTQ+ history. For six days in June 1969, a series of spontaneous protests took place in Greenwich Village, a neighborhood of New York City. These events are collectively known as the Stonewall Uprising and are considered the launching point of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in America.
The efforts to establish Pride Month have been in the works for decades. In 1999, Bill Clinton declared June Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. This observance was expanded by President Barack Obama in 2011 with an official proclamation designating June Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.
Pride Month is not only a celebration, but recognition of the work, past and present, of pioneers for LGBTQ+ rights. It’s also an effort that continues to this day. One way Paycom advances diversity efforts is through our employee resource groups (ERGs), including our Paycom, Respect, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (PRIDE) ERG.
Paycom’s ERGs are led by passionate employees committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace. Let’s get to know a few of them!
Meet Latosha
Latosha, left, (she/her/hers) and wife celebrate their wedding.
Latosha’s Paycom journey began when she became a client support specialist in our Grapevine, Texas, Operations Center. Prior to joining Paycom, Latosha’s career included 12 years in customer service. By drawing on her varied experiences in a customer-focused career, she understands the value of an environment that treats everyone — customers and employees alike — with kindness.
During her job hunt, she knew her next workplace needed to offer a similar atmosphere. “Paycom has always felt like a place you just call home,” she said.
Paycom isn’t the first workplace where Latosha had a front-row seat to watch ERGs in action. In both her previous and current workplaces, she saw how they empower team members to overcome isolation and build personal connections across various departments.
“For me, it’s a good space for networking,” she said. “I get to inspire others. I get to show others that they matter to Paycom and it’s not just about the work. It’s about who you are as an individual. Being a leader, let alone a member of the ERG, I get to be on the back end and get things going that weren’t here before. I get to be a part of that!”
We asked Latosha what Pride Month means to her. “Celebrating Pride is us as individuals showing the world who we are. It’s about us showing our diversity to everyone. So many people are oblivious to the LGBTQ+ community, don’t know what it means and don’t know our different acronyms,” she said. “Celebrating Pride is the way to show everyone why it means so much, not just to us but to the history behind it.”
Meet Pedro
Pedro (he/him/his), IT Asset Technician, diversity champion at Paycom
Pedro is originally from Colorado, and his Paycom journey began in August 2021 when he accepted a position as an IT asset technician supporting the IT department at our Oklahoma City headquarters.
As he was early in his career, prioritizing an inclusive workplace was a big part of Pedro’s decision to take his position. “Feeling safe and welcomed helps me do the same for the people around me,” he said. “This allows me to do my best and continue succeeding in the workspace.”
Even though Paycom’s ERGs are still relatively new, Pedro already sees the benefits they provide. “It means a lot to be able to share our stories and connect with employees within the organization,” he said. “Creating a welcoming and safe space allows us to continue advocating for our employees in the LGBTQ+ community. Letting it be known that we are seen and heard speaks volumes to employees, to continue being proud of who they are.”
Pedro also encourages people to learn from the wide selection of content that’s freely available, not just during Pride Month, but all year long.
“There are so many amazing resources today, from documentaries, historical moments, current day movements, events and by reading the many stories the community shares,” he said. “Staying aware and advocating for equality is something we all can do year-round.”
Championing diversity isn’t just a year-round principle at Paycom. We believe that inclusivity efforts are integral at every point in someone’s career journey.
Fostering diversity and inclusion isn’t just a box to check. It’s a way to build connections, empower individuals and enhance the workplace experience for everyone.
Click here to learn how Paycom is making diversity, equity and inclusion a priority.
