Each June, we celebrate Pride Month annually to honor and support the LGBTQIA+ community. This year, our employee resource network (ERN) PROUD (Promoting Representation, Openness, and Understanding of Diversity) led various events across our Boston, Research Triangle Park (RTP), and San Diego offices for all employees to commemorate the month through various pieces of programming and educational opportunities.  

Here are the highlights: 

Celebrations in Our Local Communities 

 
As part of our celebrations this year, Foundation Medicine employees were honored to join in on local festivities near our US office locations.

First up was the Boston Pride for the People Festival and Parade, where PROUD ERN members, colleagues, family and friends joined more than 10,000 parade participants in celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. Our colleagues had the opportunity to walk in the parade that culminated at the Boston Common for a festival full of activities during a bright and sunny day in downtown Boston. 

Our Research Triangle Park employees had the opportunity to come together to celebrate during Out! Raleigh Pride, a full-day festival in downtown Raleigh filled with live entertainment, local vendors and artists. During the festivities, Foundation Medicine’s very own Caitlin DeGrose, Senior Automation Engineer, performed with the Triangle Pride Band. The Triangle Pride Band is committed to providing accessible, high-quality music experiences to the LGBTQ+ community and their allies in central North Carolina.  

Internal Programming and Discussions 

In addition to participating in external events, PROUD hosted several internal activities offering the opportunity for all employees to come together.  

In advance of the Boston Pride Parade, PROUD hosted a button and bracelet making event at our headquarters in Boston. The event allowed employees to show up and express their most authentic selves by designing their own custom buttons and bracelets that they could wear to the Pride festivities. Attendees also had the chance to enjoy a special rainbow ice cream bar while having the chance to mix and mingle with colleagues.  
 
To celebrate PRIDE and commemorate Juneteenth, our PROUD and BAHA (Black, African and Hispanic Alliance) ERNs came together for a hybrid discussion of the documentary film “Brother Outside: The Life of Bayard Rustin.” The documentary recounts the life of Bayard Rustin, an openly gay civil rights activist who helped organize the 1963 March on Washington.  

To close out PRIDE month, we had one last celebration at our Boston headquarters on our new roof terrace! PROUD ERN members, along with leaders from around Foundation Medicine, came together to cheer for another fabulous Pride month filled with lots of fun, laughs, and, of course, pride.   

2024 Most Loved Workplaces for LGBTQ+ Employees  

Our commitment to our LGBTQIA+ employees is celebrated during June, but it extends beyond PRIDE month to every day of the year. We strive to provide a safe and inclusive place for all employees to be their authentic selves every day.  
 
In recognition of our efforts, Foundation Medicine was named one of the 2024 Most Loved Workplaces® for LGBTQ+ employees. The list recognizes organizations from around the globe that champion LGBTQIA+ inclusion and honors organizations for their commitment to creating a workplace where LGBTQIA+ employees not only feel respected and valued but can thrive and be their own authentic selves.  
 
We’re so proud to be recognized for our efforts in cultivating an environment that promotes a sense of belonging and empowers employees to be their authentic selves and reach their full potential. 

Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community in June and beyond 

With additional programming, open discussions and future gatherings for the Foundation Medicine community, we look forward to continuing to celebrate and support our LGBTQIA+ employees as well as finding opportunities where we as an organization can continue to grow, learn and listen to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging within the organization.