Every June, rainbow logos light up corporate websites and social media in a show of support for the LGBTQIA+ community. But beyond flags and hashtags, what does meaningful support look like? This question is especially relevant in industries like energy, where LGBTQIA+ representation and visibility often take a back seat.

Let’s talk about the real burdens LGBTQIA+ people face in their lives—and how even small actions in the energy sector can spark lasting change.

The (often invisible) burdens LGBTQIA+ people carry

Amber’s story

This is only Amber’s second year participating in Pride. As a kid in the ’80s, seen as a tomboy, Amber always sensed she was different from the other girls. But she aligned with societal norms and pressures and, as she got older, dated men exclusively. It wasn’t until Amber separated from her husband a few years ago that she began to explore her identity openly and authentically. It’s been quite the journey—especially while living in a small, conservative town in Virginia.

Amber believes her role as co-chair of AESP’s Powered by Pride group is a chance to help create a safe space for others like her—those who are finding their voice, especially later in life, when it can be hardest to speak up in the workplace.

Our stories are just two of countless LGBTQIA+ friends and peers who don’t just experience the typical workplace pressures—they navigate a landscape shaped by discrimination, legal inequality, and erasure. As we sat down to write this article, some research brought to light a few sobering facts:

• Employment insecurity is real. In the U.S., nearly 1 in 10 LGBTQIA+ employees have left a job because the workplace wasn’t accepting of their identity. For transgender people, the number is even higher.

• Physical safety can’t be assumed. More than 597 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been or are being introduced in U.S. state legislatures—many targeting health care access and public visibility.

• Energy insecurity intersects with identity. LGBTQIA+ people—particularly transgender and BIPOC individuals—are more likely to experience poverty, housing instability, and energy insecurity.

We can all do our part

You don’t need a DEI certification or a giant corporate budget to make an impact. Whether you’re designing programs, leading a team, or working in field operations, your daily decisions can help create a more just and welcoming energy system. Here are a few ideas:

🌈 1. Make programs inclusive by design
When designing programs, make sure outreach and eligibility criteria don’t leave LGBTQIA+ people behind.

Pro tip: Partner with LGBTQIA+ centers, housing justice orgs, or mutual aid groups. Consider having a booth or table at your local Pride events.

📊 2. Advocate for inclusive data collection
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Push for the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in customer experience research, workforce reporting, and energy burden assessments.

Resource: Explore The Trevor Project’s research on LGBTQIA+ youth and public health equity at The Trevor Project.

🛠️ 3. Support all workers—in the trades and beyond
LGBTQIA+ people—especially trans folks—are underrepresented in skilled trades and energy jobs. Normalize inclusive practices across the board.

📣 4. Use your voice
Sometimes, the biggest impact can come from the quietest moments. Don’t let a contractor misgender someone on-site. Ask your panel moderator to include pronouns during introductions. Tell your story, if you’re comfortable and able.

Growth tip: If you’re not sure what to say, ask: “Hey, do you want to be referred to in a certain way?” or “Can you help me understand what would feel affirming for you?”

📚 5. Keep learning
None of us are ever done learning. Pride Month is a great annual reminder to read something new and expand your understanding. Read a book by LGBTQIA+ authors. Follow LGBTQIA+ leaders in the clean energy space and environmental justice. Attend LGBTQIA+ events in your area. Follow LGBTQIA+ podcasts.

Pride is a verb

Supporting LGBTQIA+ people isn’t a one-month, one-logo, one-speech commitment. It’s an ongoing practice of making daily choices—ones that build equity into programs, respect into teams, and dignity into customer experiences.

So whether you’re managing a grid upgrade or writing a grant application, ask yourself: Who is this serving—and who might it be leaving out? Because when we include everyone in the future of energy, everyone gets to thrive.