RTD commemorates progress: Advancing LGBTQIA+ equity in transportation

Diversity Spotlight celebrates the diversity of RTD employees and the larger community that RTD serves and fosters an appreciation of our social and cultural similarities and differences. Diversity Spotlight supports RTD’s values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration and ownership.

The LGBTQIA+ acronym encompasses a rich tapestry of identities, recognizing the vast spectrum of gender, sexuality and physiological characteristics of human diversity. From lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals to those who identify as queer/questioning or asexual, this inclusive terminology underscores the complexity and fluidity of human experience, embracing non-binary and pansexual identities alongside more widely recognized ones.

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, an annual June commemoration, traces its origins to the watershed moment of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. This event, sparked by a police raid on the Stonewall Inn and fueled by the resilience of LGBTQIA+ individuals who refused to be silenced, marked a turning point in the fight for civil rights for these communities. It galvanized a movement pushing for equality, dignity and visibility for all LGBTQIA+ people worldwide. Today, Pride Month serves not only as a celebration of progress but also as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and liberation.

In the realm of transportation, Secretary Pete Buttigieg has emerged as a champion for LGBTQIA+ representation and equity. As the first openly gay person confirmed to serve in a president's Cabinet under President Joseph Biden's administration, Buttigieg's leadership in the Department of Transportation has been marked by a commitment to inclusive policy initiatives. Beyond traditional infrastructure projects, Buttigieg's agenda encompasses a holistic approach to transportation equity, addressing systemic barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in accessing safe, affordable and dignified transportation options.

Under Buttigieg's stewardship, the Department of Transportation has prioritized initiatives that intersect with LGBTQIA+ rights, including:

Safety: Enhancing safety measures to protect LGBTQIA+ individuals from harassment and discrimination in transit spaces.
Accessibility: Improving accessibility for LGBTQIA+ people, particularly those who have a disability or are unhoused, to ensure equitable access to transportation services.
Innovation: Fostering innovation in transportation technology and policy to address the unique needs and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ communities.
Climate: Advancing sustainable transportation solutions that benefit LGBTQIA+ individuals, who often bear the disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation and climate change.
Jobs and equity: Promoting job opportunities and economic empowerment for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the transportation sector while advocating for fair labor practices and workplace protections.

In the Denver metro region, RTD is crucial in advancing transportation equity through its commitment to fostering inclusivity and nondiscrimination. The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office at RTD upholds employment related policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. By cultivating a culture of inclusion and respect within its workforce, RTD recognizes diversity's moral imperative and strategic value in building resilient communities.

In alignment with RTD’s EEO Policy Statement, RTD's dedication to LGBTQIA+ inclusion goes beyond mere compliance to proactive measures that promote awareness, understanding and acceptance. Through targeted training and outreach initiatives, RTD's EEO Office endeavors to educate employees about the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in the workplace and to foster a culture of empathy and solidarity.

Additionally, the Transit Equity Office (TEO) ensures that RTD provides public transportation in a nondiscriminatory manner for all customers regardless of their gender expression, sexual orientation, gender identity or other protected characteristic. RTD strives to create a transportation system that is accessible, equitable and welcoming for all individuals.

While significant strides have been made in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights in recent years, RTD recognizes that the journey toward true diversity, equity and belonging is far from over. RTD reaffirms its commitment to creating a transportation system that works for everyone by involving employees in LGBTQIA+ Pride Month celebrations and actively collaborating with LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups and community stakeholders.

In observance of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, RTD encourages all employees to commemorate and celebrate. Whether through team activities or individual reflection, employees can honor LGBTQIA+ pride in the following suggested ways:

From 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 6, don your best '70s attire and participate in the "A Legacy of Pride: West of 50 Rooftop Pride Party." This collaboration between West of 50 and Denver Public Library will be a fun-filled afternoon of trivia, karaoke, prizes, music and more, held on the rooftop of The Center on Colfax.
Get ready for a night of fun and celebration at First Friday: Celebrating LBGTQIA+ Pride, from 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Museo de la Americas. Explore the vibrant local artist vendors, indulge in delicious food from the food trucks, enjoy a refreshing drink, get inspired by the exhibition and meet other art enthusiasts. It's a night you won't want to miss!
From noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 15, participate in Lafayette Youth Pride, a resource fair for youth and families through food and entertainment.
Attend Denver PrideFest, a two-day event at Civic Center Park hosted by The Center on Colfax, June 22 and 23. It boasts 250-plus exhibitors, 30 food vendors and captivating live performances. This year marks the 50th anniversary of PrideFest.
Kick off Pride weekend by participating in Denver's PRIDE 5K on Saturday, June 22. This event is a vital fundraiser that helps provide essential programs and services to Colorado's LGBTQIA+ community. Every dollar raised goes directly to supporting social support groups, mental health services, youth centers and more.
Join RTD colleagues on Sunday, June 23, to march in the 2024 Coors Light Denver Pride Parade. To sign up, click here.
Participate in the Boulder Pride Festival, hosted by Out Boulder County, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 30.

RTD stands in solidarity with the members of the LGBTQIA+ community, recognizing their invaluable influence and evolving role in shaping transportation equity. By commemorating their contributions, RTD reaffirms its commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity and respect within its workforce and services. As we honor LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and reflect on the strides made toward equality, let us continue to work together toward a future where transportation is accessible, affirming and equitable for all individuals, regardless of gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.

Diversity Spotlight recognizes special observances as set forth by presidential proclamation, executive order and public law, and in keeping with RTD’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Please note that participation in these activities is voluntary and unpaid. Supervisor approval is required to participate if events occur during a regularly scheduled shift.