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June might have rolled by with rainbows everywhere, but does the support for LGBTQ+ employees and family builders fade when July hits? Spoiler alert: it shouldn’t.
Every June, companies deck themselves out in PR-friendly rainbow logos and make bold declarations of allyship. But as the Forbes article "Beyond The Rainbow: 5 Essential Tips For Supporting LGBTQ+ Employees Beyond June" points out, many organizations quietly pull back the curtains on their promises once Pride month fades.
So, what does genuine and lasting support look like for LGBTQ+ employees, especially those embarking on the incredible journey of building their families? Let’s unpack this together.
1. Normalize Family Building Options for All
It’s 2025, yet conversations around family building often default to traditional notions. LGBTQ+ individuals and couples frequently encounter awkward silences or misplaced assumptions about “how” they plan to become parents.
Here’s a game-changer: embracing and openly discussing innovative at-home conception methods can break down barriers and normalize all pathways to parenthood. For instance, at-home insemination kits like those offered by MakeAMom are revolutionizing access and privacy for many.
Whether it’s the BabyMaker kit designed for those sensitive to traditional methods or the CryoBaby kit tailored for frozen sperm, these tools empower LGBTQ+ people to take control of their family-building journey in the comfort of their own home. Talk about inclusive innovation!
2. Create Ongoing, Visible Allies Beyond Rainbow Logos
It’s easy to slap a rainbow on your company website and call it a day in June. But impactful support means consistent allyship that weaves itself into company culture and policy throughout the year.
This can look like LGBTQ+ family-building benefits, flexible parental leave policies recognizing diverse family structures, and platforms where employees can share their journeys and challenges without fear.
3. Provide Tailored Mental Health & Emotional Support
Building a family, especially via non-traditional routes, can be a rollercoaster. Anxiety, societal pressures, and the weight of “making it work” all take a toll.
Workplaces and communities need to provide access to mental health resources that acknowledge the unique challenges LGBTQ+ parents face. Peer support groups, expert Q&A sessions, and safe spaces can make a massive difference.
4. Educate & Train on Inclusive Language and Representation
Words matter. How often have you heard phrases like “your husband or wife” without considering other identities? Using inclusive language isn’t just politeness – it’s a statement of respect and acknowledgment.
Training teams to use terms like “partner,” “parent,” or “co-parent” as default helps cultivate an environment where all family structures are seen and valued.
5. Celebrate Success Stories Year-Round
Who doesn’t love a good feel-good story? Showcasing real stories of LGBTQ+ family building journeys can inspire, educate, and foster belonging.
Platforms like JourneyTogether do just that by spotlighting peer stories and at-home conception success, reminding everyone that family looks wonderfully diverse and all paths deserve applause.
So, how can you take action right now? Dive deeper into the world of inclusive family building and discover innovative solutions at MakeAMom’s website. Their reusable, discreet at-home insemination kits, such as the Impregnator for low motility sperm and CryoBaby for frozen samples, are tailored to meet diverse needs.
Because when companies and communities commit beyond the rainbow, they don’t just support LGBTQ+ employees – they celebrate the full spectrum of family.
What’s your biggest takeaway on supporting LGBTQ+ family builders all year round? Share your thoughts and stories below. Let’s keep the conversation—and the support—going far beyond June!