Wishing our community a very happy Pride month! On the outside of Seward Co-op buildings, we proudly say “Everyone Welcome.” Throughout our nearly 50 year history and into the present, our goal has been to create space that is comfortable and safe for everyone to gather, work, and shop. We at Seward Co-op welcome opportunities to continue to learn and grow more in community.

Gender Inclusion

At Seward Co-op, we are committed to a culture of inclusion where everyone feels welcome, respected and celebrated. As part of this commitment, we ask everyone to use gender-inclusive and affirming language. It’s one way to show respect and avoid making assumptions. Instead of using gendered language such as “ladies,” “gentlemen,” “sir” or “ma’am,” try instead using phrases like: “Good morning, everyone!” or “Thanks, friend.” More about our commitment is here.

If you’d like to learn more about why this is important, read tips on sharing and asking about pronouns or find other resources, MyPronouns.org is a great place to start. Other resources are the Genderbread Person, and a short comic book about pronouns from local illustrators, Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson, “A Quick and Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns.”

Intersectionality and Pride

Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term intersectionality in 1989 to describe the unique experience that Black women face when racism and sexism overlap and compound. This lens can also be applied to the ways race, class, gender, and other social identities “intersect” with one another and create interlocking systems of power and oppression. This means that each person’s experiences, particularly those overlapping in marginalized groups, can create compounded oppression that is not addressed within social justice movements. At Seward Co-op, we try to work from an intersectional lens. When we acknowledge and celebrate Pride, we must also lift up the voices of individuals from marginalized groups who have made meaningful contributions to social movements, and all too often have been left out, erased, or dismissed. Learn more about influential Black LGBTQIA+ activists and organizations to support here.

Seward Co-op: Pride Year Round

At the co-op, we are proud to be a place where people of all gender and cultural identities feel safe to work, shop, and gather. We do not discriminate against anyone for their gender, sex, race, or physical ability when hiring and actively seek employees who have a demonstrated ability to work across differences of all kinds. We are excited to have an opportunity to be present at the Trans Equity Summit Employment Fair later this fall, as we continue to make our co-op more inclusive each year. Join our staff – we’re hiring!