Icons of Pride
Pride, a celebration of queer identity during the month of June, is an opportunity to reflect on shared history and community. This month, we are honoring queer icons and important figures with the help of a few of our LGBTQIA+ team members and allies. These figures have had a significant impact on different aspects of culture, from music to politics. Get to know queer history through the lens of our team:
Bill Porter, Director, Product Management
Judy Shepard
Judy’s son Matthew Shepard was two years older than me when he was killed in an anti-gay hate crime in 1998. At the time I had recently started coming “out,” and Matthew’s death shook me and the wider LGBTQ+ community. Overnight Judy became an advocate for the community—giving hope, strength, and acceptance to a community that was not well recognized. Learn more about her work and her son’s legacy here.
Luis Vasquez, VP, Ad Sales Marketing
Marsha P. Johnson
Marsha was African American trans woman and gay liberation activist known for being an outspoken advocate and a central figure in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, which were a series of protests and riots demanding rights for LGBTQ+ people. Her work for social justice, championing marginalized communities, education, healthcare, and civil rights has earned her widespread recognition, making her a beloved figure in queer history. Learn more about her life and commitment to LGBTQ+ justice here.
Adriana Jamet, Creative Director, Marketing
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
I was a teenager when the movie "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" was released in 1994. The positive portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community at a time when there was limited visibility in mainstream media had a profound impact on me. The immense joy, outrageous costumes, and incredible characters forever opened my heart and soul to embrace and love everyone, because everyone deserves to be cherished, loved, accepted, and supported. They also taught me that you can always have a lot of glitter and glamour in life! The movie is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime and Tubi.