CUNA News
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Topics
    • Community Service
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Jobs
  • Contact

News

Home » CU Pride event calls for affirmation and inclusion
Leadership

CU Pride event calls for affirmation and inclusion

‘We need to amplify the voices of the unheard and underheard.’

June 24, 2020
Bill Merrick
No Comments
CU Pride event calls for affirmation and inclusion

Imagine facing discrimination in employment, housing, and other areas—even hate crimes—simply because of who you love.

The fight against these injustices was the genesis of the Pride movement, says Linda Bodie, president/CEO at $55 million asset Element Federal Credit Union in Charleston, W.V.

“Our community needs affirmation and inclusion,” she says. “Pride is a celebration of our uniqueness.”

Bodie addressed a virtual Pride event held by CU Pride, an organization formed this year to promote the visibility of the LGBTQ community within the credit union movement.

Nearly 200 credit union leaders and friends attended the event, which featured conversations about LGBTQ issues, Pride-related video messages from credit union people, a discussion of and support for Juneteenth and Black Lives Matter, entertainment, and more.

“We need to amplify the voices of the unheard and underheard,” says Sam Jensen, training consultant at $1.2 billion asset Blue Federal Credit Union, Cheyenne, Wy. “We need to step up and say queer employees, members, and communities matter to us.”

Bodie encourages credit union leaders to include LGBTQ people on the board and on staff, and for the LGBTQ community to display their Pride by being openly gay at work, wearing their desired clothing, and not shying away from conversations about LGBTQ issues.

“I challenge you to start talking and don’t stop,” Bodie says. “Go back to your organization and do something to make yourself feel proud.”

To create an inclusive work environment, start by finding supporters in upper management, advises Lindsey Owen, manager of training professionals for PSCU.

"Gain sponsorship from leaders who can advocate for you and create a budget for you. You’ll need that to move forward,” says Owen, who notes that one in four people identify as LGBTQ. “You can’t do it all yourself. You need to involve allies, otherwise we’re just talking to ourselves.”

The event leaders issued a call to action for participants:

  • Ask what you’ll do today to make yourself feel proud.
  • Support your LGBTQ friends, family, and co-workers.
  • Love yourself fully and live your life authentically every day.
  • Respect pronouns, spread the word about Pride, and share the love.

More resources

  • CU Pride advocates for LGBTQ community
  • Pandemic can't stop pride

KEYWORDS DEI LGBTQ Pride

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Credit Union Magazine: Summer 2023

Summer 2023

Credit Union Magazine’s Summer 2023 issue highlights the lending outlook for the rest of the year, how credit unions leverage fintech companies to boost digital lending, the power of lending partnerships, common Bank Secrecy Act violations, and the shift board members must make when becoming chair.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • Final week to nominate a 2023 Credit Union Rock Star

  • CUNA to host free webinar on FedNow service strategy June 13

  • Regulators issue AVM proposal, WH addresses appraisal bias efforts

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

Do you think ChatGPT will become useful for credit unions?

View Results
More

Champion for the Credit Union Movement

Credit Union National Association is the most influential financial services trade association and the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America's credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • Membership
  • Contact Us
  • Careers

Resources for

  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Providers

Our Affiliates

  • American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL)
  • Credit Union Awareness
  • Credit Union House
  • CUNA Strategic Services
  • National Credit Union Foundation
GET CUNA UPDATES
© 2023 Credit Union National Association | ADA Compliance Notice & Legal
Email Us