Celebrate Equality

For years, people of different race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality have been fighting for their rights. In light of the recent tragedy in Orlando, Florida, we wanted to take the opportunity to recognize the continued efforts of all human beings to be treated equally; primarily today focusing on the LGBT community. On June 26, 2015, almost 365 days ago, the Supreme Court ruled to make same-sex marriages legal across the United States; finalizing a trend that began in Massachusetts in 2004--when the state became the first to marry gay couples. Nearly one year later, we stand together and stronger than ever to recognize that we all deserve to have the same rights instituted by this country's founding fathers. That being said, we are here today to ask you all to celebrate with us on June 26, in honor of this important moment in history. Here's how you can do so:

Make a Donation to The Equality Fund

The Equality Fund at the Boston Foundation was established in 2012 with two primary goals: making high-impact grants available to the most innovative nonprofits serving the diverse members of the LGBTQ community; and building a permanent endowment that will benefit the LGBTQ community of Greater Boston forever. The Fund is guided by an Advisory Committee made up of members of the LGBTQ community and allies who possess a breadth of understanding about the most pressing issues affecting our community today. Please consider donating so we can continue to share the wealth of knowledge regarding LGBTQ challenges and accomplishments with the community!

Shop for Equality with GLSEN

The GLSEN RESPECT Collection supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and their allies of all ages who champion respect and acceptance for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Their mission is to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community where all can feel safe and respected. Shop GLSEN and wear your pride on your sleeve!

Be An Equality All Star

Kick down the doors and fight for the freedom to be you! Join Converse in celebrating pride with these rainbow and star-printed Chuck Taylors. Get a pair today!

Support Local and National Businesses that Acknowledge Corporate Equality

Be a conscious shopper, and check in with your go-to stores to make sure their policies are LGBT-inclusive. To get you started on a national level, CVS, Apple, Hershey, Macy’s, Starbucks, and Coca-Cola all scored 100% equality ratings on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2015 Corporate Equality Index. Just last year, Doritos participated in a campaign with the It Gets Better Project in support of the LGBT community. This national recognition is imperative to spreading the word to those uneducated about corporate equality.

And before we get to our last way to celebrate, here's a little more knowledge for you...

If you didn't know, President Obama released a Presidential Proclamation officially declaring June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. A huge win for the LGBT community. President Obama encourages all of us to “eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people”. Preach! In this case, the diversity he speaks of is represented by the rainbow LGBT flag created by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978.

So in order to honor this special month, learn more about LGBTQ history, and celebrate with us on June 26, you should indulge in our last idea by creating some of the best technicolor treats out there; rainbow inspired baked goods!

Bake and Share Your Love for Equality

We would be honored to take a bite of this sweet treat! Get the recipe and share your pride. We can't think of a better way to bring a smile to someone's face when celebrating our equality!

As we move forward with the weight of this recent tragedy on our shoulders, we ask that you keep your faith and remain positive. Measures are being taken and people are becoming educated. We just need to keep believing and devour the details of celebrating equality for all as we go! Spread the word people; love is all you need!