With everything going on in the world, we’re reminded how important it is to celebrate Pride. This month some of our SmartBear family members have bravely opened up to give us their insights, which we’re releasing as a series of blogs throughout June. It centers around what this month signifies, what has and hasn’t changed, and what being out at work means for them.
Name, preferred pronouns, role at SmartBear:
My name is Matt Amedeo (he/him/his) and I’m a newly onboarded Sales Development Representative at SB.
What does Pride mean to you?
For me, Pride means being aware of the past struggles our community has faced that have brought us to the place we are today. Without the many powerful figures who fought for our community, we would not be able to live so freely today. More personally, it’s about being happy with the way you were born and finding power in the fact that you’re different, and that makes you unique.
What does it mean to you to be out at work?
To be out at work is super significant to me, because it allows me to showcase to others that our community is everywhere and allows me to help in breaking harmful stereotypes that may be centered around us. It also allows me to show upcoming generations that you can enter into an amazing company such as SmartBear while also staying true to who you are, making others feel less alone.
This year’s a bit different, but are there particular Pride-related events you’ll be attending?
It may be sad that Pride is cancelled in Boston this year, but it’s for the greater safety of the world. I’ll be attending small online gatherings with friends over Zoom as much as possible and try to plan for future events we’ll be able to do, such as Pride in the coming years.
What do you think people can do this Pride Month to raise awareness about important issues? Any history LGBTQIA+ lessons you’d like to share?
It’s extremely important for people to take this Pride Month to stand hand-in-hand with other marginalized groups that face similar issues, specifically people of color. LGBTQIA+ history focuses on the POC who helped us get to the point in society we are today. The riots at Stonewall were led by many strong figures, many of whom were POC, and without these struggles of the past, the freedom we have in America today would not be guaranteed. It’s so important to be aware of who helped our struggle so that we can in turn help in theirs.
Lastly, what’s your favorite Pride song or queer anthem?
My favorite Pride song is “Girls / Girls / Boys” by Panic! At the Disco.