June is Pride Month for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community and is celebrated each year to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a big moment in time for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. The last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as "Gay Pride Day," but the actual day has been flexible in many other regions. 

Liberty’s very own LGBTQA+ Business Resource Group, newly named “Friends of Liberty” is moving ahead with lots of steam. For the very first time in Liberty history, the company has raised the progressive pride flag in Joplin, the Lake Tahoe offices in CA., and in AZ. Liberty is showing pride, by supporting their employees and community in a colorful way. Friends of Liberty’s mission is to provide a comfortable, safe place for employees to connect while focusing on education and representation of the LGBTQA+ community. We recognize that sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are influenced by race/ethnicity, gender, culture, age, faith, and other social characteristics. Our duty is to promote awareness, decrease prejudices through learning events, cultural celebrations and networking.

Here is a spotlight on a few of our valued members of Friends of Liberty BRG explaining why it’s important to have such a group in an organization striving for more diversity and inclusion:

 

Kacii Hamer – she/her/hers – Hiking and photography are two of my favorite things. Hoping to get some good shots at some Pride events this year. It will be so amazing and freeing to see everyone out and open and happy. One day I hope to hit all of the “big” Pride events across the entire country. San Francisco, here I come!

I joined Friends of Liberty because I love getting involved with anything that brings inclusivity and acceptance into the world, so when I heard about this I knew I had to join! I grew up in Philadelphia, PA and there I helped organize Pride events within my local neighborhood! Getting involved has always had a place on my heart so it was a no-brainer for me to join. ??

- Kacii Hamer, Customer Service Clerk

 

I started with Liberty in August of 2019 in Accounts Payable, prior to that I was in banking for 10 years. I have a 9 year old son named Hunter, he has the best personality and keeps me thriving. When I am not working I am spending time with family, cooking, crafting, gardening, fishing and being a sports mom. My partner Jonny and I recently bought a house so we will have quite a few projects to complete.

I joined Friends of Liberty as an ally to support my friend who didn’t have the best experience when we were in high school. I want to be a part of something bigger to show my support. I have friends and family that are members of the community. I haven’t always fully understood the struggles they face but I am understanding them more every day. I strive to continue to learn, become more knowledgeable and continue to support the community. I want to raise my son to be open minded and accepting of others no matter their differences.

- Lindsey Powell, Accounts Payable Administrator

 

Who am I?

Max Bruning-Roark, I am a liberty Employee, I work in Accounts payable and I am a supporter of our local community. I am married to my husband of 5 years, who also works for Liberty. We have a 15 year old daughter. We love to travel and be out in the sun.

Why?

Because life is too short to sit on the side lines or in the closet being scared. Liberty has an open door to all and the message needs to be spread that it doesn’t matter the who or what you are, what matters is the impact you will make, that will change lives in your life, family, community and workplace. I want to be the backbone and support for our Central Liberty employees.

- Max Bruning-Roark, Manager, Accounts Payable