Every June, Pride Month serves as a vibrant, vital reminder of the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience, creativity, and contributions to society. Rooted in the Stonewall riots of 1969 in New York, Pride has become an international celebration of love and identity, but also a call to action. It is a reminder that equity and safety are not yet guaranteed for all.

photo/ unsplash Jiroe (Matia Rengel)

In Switzerland, Pride has grown into a meaningful cultural movement. From its beginnings with the first “Christopher Street Day” events in the late 1970s, it has evolved into a national moment of visibility and affirmation. Each summer, cities like Zurich, Geneva, Bern, and Lucerne come alive with color, music, activism, and solidarity.

Geneva kicks off the season with a Pride parade and festival in early June. This year’s events draw attention not only to celebration but to the ongoing work needed to protect LGBTQ+ rights. Zurich follows in mid-June, with a two-day festival that combines political engagement with celebration, including panels, drag performances, and community workshops. Bern and Lucerne round out the summer with their own regional festivities, offering space for both joyful expression and thoughtful dialogue.

This context matters deeply for us in the digital and tech industries. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not buzzwords. They are the building blocks of healthy workplaces and sustainable innovation. In a field that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and global thinking, LGBTQ+ inclusion is not a side issue. It is integral to how we imagine the future and build it.

Switzerland has made notable progress: same-sex marriage and adoption were legalized in 2022, and anti-discrimination protections were expanded in 2020. Yet legislation alone does not guarantee belonging. That is where professional communities like Women in Digital Switzerland come in. As a network of women working in all areas of digital life, from design and coding to strategy and communication, we are uniquely positioned to model and lead inclusive change.

Within our workplaces, inclusion can take many forms. It means challenging heteronormative assumptions, amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, and building safe spaces for authenticity. It means reviewing policies with a critical eye. Are our health benefits inclusive? Are pronouns respected? Are queer women and non-binary people represented, not just in statistics, but in leadership?

Women in Digital Switzerland is already active in promoting these values. Through mentorship programs, cross-sector events, and an emphasis on intersectionality, we foster a space where difference is strength and where visibility matters. Pride Month is a moment to reflect on what inclusion really looks like and how we can move from performative gestures to meaningful practices.

This June, whether you join a Pride parade, organize a conversation in your company, or simply take time to listen and learn, consider the role you play in shaping our digital future. Pride is not just about celebrating identity. It is about creating a world, both online and offline, where everyone has the freedom and support to thrive.

We have the opportunity to lead. Not just in tech, but in shaping a society where dignity and diversity are non-negotiable. Pride reminds us that inclusion is not a trend. It is a commitment.

At Women in Digital Switzerland, we believe that true innovation comes from inclusion. We are proud to be a welcoming, intersectional community where all women, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, background, or experience, can connect, grow, and lead. If you are looking for a space where you can be yourself, expand your network, and help shape a more inclusive digital world, we invite you to join us. Pride Month is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to be seen and heard. At WDS, that is more than a message. It is our mission. Join our community and help us continue to bring you interesting and thought provoking events.