- Pride Month 2024: How Sony Music Group Celebrated the LGBTQ+ Community With Pride Across the U.S.
- Jun 28, 2024
Every June, Pride Month is recognized throughout the U.S. in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, routinely marked as the inception of the Gay Liberation Movement. To honor this occasion, Sony Music Group (SMG)—with the help of our Talent Advisory Groups (TAGs)—held a variety of events for U.S. employees that helped celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and continue to foster a work environment where all feel included.
We kicked off our Pride Month celebrations at our New York City headquarters, with a mindful journaling session titled “Ink & Identity: A Curious Journaling Journey.” Hosted by Wellful—the SMG TAG focused on health and wellness—attendees were guided through mindful prompts that allowed them to embark on a reflective journey exploring themes of curiosity, inclusivity and personal identity. The session offered a safe and supportive space for attendees to authentically express themselves and was later replicated at our LA office.
Over in Nashville, OutLoud—SMG’s TAG for LGBTQ+ identifying employees and allies—hosted its inaugural Pride Party for SMG and The Orchard employees. A true community event, the celebration included beverages and treats from local businesses.
“We braved the heat and a pop-up rainstorm to come together as a family and celebrate our LGBTQ+ community,” said Jean Jutila, Senior Analyst of Global Royalties at Sony Music Publishing and OutLoud member. “The love and support we all felt from Sony, our friends, family, and community, reminds us that we all have a place here.”
SMG employees also had the opportunity to participate in this year’s Pride parades in LA, Nashville and New York City, respectively. Team members—along with their family, friends and colleagues from Sony’s sister companies—were spotted marching the streets sporting the Sony Pride logo across banners and various merch items.
“For me, Pride is all about being unapologetic and joyful about my queerness. It’s a powerful feeling to walk down 5th Avenue and experience an outpouring of cheers and support,” said Jimmy Wolfe, Coordinator of SMG’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and OutLoud NY member. “Even in 2024, it is a vulnerable experience to put yourself out there and celebrate your difference. I think experiencing that wave of celebration in response to putting your full authentic self on display is even more meaningful in a group of coworkers. ”
A huge thank you to all who made our Pride Month celebrations so vibrant, and special shoutouts to OutLoud and Wellful for spearheading the month’s programming. Regardless of who or where you are, Sony Music Group is proud to support everyone who chooses to live openly and authentically in their identity.
