Beyond The Blue

[#1]

I still remember the first time I celebrated who I am, the first time I felt it was acceptable to be the way I am, and that being me was not a problem. That day I will never forget.

8:30 a.m. – Wake up, shower, shave, brush my teeth, do my hair (super-duper fly for the big weekend), pack my bag and wait for Z to come pick me up.

10:00 a.m. – Z arrives at my house, I hop in her car, roll the windows down and we blast our favorite songs all throughout out 3-hour journey to Kansas City.

1:00 p. m. – Stop for lunch.

1:45 p.m. – Check in at our hotel (our view oversees The Plaza and the beautiful city).

3:00 p.m. – Shopping (got to look fresh for tomorrow).

5:00 p.m. – Dinner and sightseeing.

10:30 p.m. – Get back to the hotel and ready for bed. Tomorrow is the fabulous celebration we’ve been anticipating.

What’s the big event? What’s all the hullabaloo?

PRIDE

It's a time and celebration that comes once a year to honor the fight and struggles of the many battles on a journey for equality. As well as the impact that LGBTQ+ persons have made in the world. A tradition that was born during of one of the most pivotal times in American History and from an event that made headlines, the Stonewall Riots. We’ve come a long way as a country since then, and have a long way yet to go, but if there’s one thing that I’ve learned during my short 24 years on this Earth, it is that love always prevails.

I can remember when I first started here at Best Buy, before we had some system upgrades, that one of the themes employees could choose for their Toolkit Homepage was pride inspired. It was then that I knew that this was where I belonged. Over the years, we’ve offered Pride-themed products such as phone cases, PopSockets, or smartwatch wristbands. Being able to come to work and see that you and your community are represented, valued, and supported is something that makes me proud to be a Blue Shirt.

I’m fortunate to work for such an inclusive company. From my first day over six years ago as a part time Portable Audio Sales Associate, still in high school (and the closet), I knew that Best Buy was different. If it wasn’t the fact that blue was my favorite color, and the color of the company, that made me fall in love with my job, it was the sense of community and comradery that this place fosters for its employees. You can be who you are at Best Buy, and they will support you for it. I understood this before I even realized it.

By definition, pride is a feeling, deep pleasure or satisfaction, derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired. There are many things that I am proud of: my friends, my family, humanity. However, for such a long time I was never proud of myself because of who I was. And, for many other LGBTQ+ people out there, that sentiment can be echoed. But, together we are a family that is strong, full of joy, love and support.

That’s why this month is so important – that’s why we celebrate PRIDE.

Best Buy is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate Pride with our customers, employees and communities. 

[#2]

I remember a day back in the early 2000s when I was working in rural Georgia and experiencing a non-inclusive environment.  I drove back to my home in the suburbs and started searching online for gay friendly employers.  I came across articles about Best Buy.  I had always had positive shopping experiences there and was happy to read about their progressive policies.  On that day, somewhere in the back of my mine, a seed was planted that someday maybe I’d work for Best Buy.

Fast forward several years and somehow I found myself living in Minnesota…and working for Best Buy at their corporate headquarters.  I loved my time at Best Buy.  The company lives its values and has so much heart.  It truly cares about its employees. 

But for those articles I found so long ago online, I probably would never have thought about working for Best Buy.  That would have been a detriment to me.  Best Buy changed me – it helped me continue to grow into the leader I am today.  And I changed Best Buy.  I helped people develop in their careers; I started Best Buy’s social media; my teams won the company so many awards; and I co-chaired their Pride employee business network group that did so much for the company.

All of that was because I was alone and sad one day in Georgia and searched to find a sliver of hope.  An article like this found me and it changed my life.  I hope articles about Best Buy’s strong commitment to the LGBTQ+ community continue to find people to let them know there are good companies and good employers out there.  Best Buy is one of the best.

Gina

[#3]

Thanks for sharing, @GinaGD! It's stories like these and the counltess others that keep the hope alive. Thank you for your committment to our community and all that you do to inspire change. You are absolutely right, Best Buy is the best! 

Peace and love, 

Cameron

Social Media Specialist 

Best Buy Corporate

[#4]

As Best Buy is all inclusive the reason why we shop with you guys is because you guys are inclusive and love is love Thank you Best Buy for your inspirational post and love is love !