Pride 2020: A Virtual Celebration

I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a... colorful... year. From natural disasters and the pandemic to murder hornets and Tiger King, it's a year we won't soon forget! However, it's also easy to get overwhelmed and not know what - or how - to celebrate.

As Pride month approached, I realized that COVID-19 is going to change the way I celebrate with my community. I reached out to our teams at Money Management International (MMI) to share their reflections of Pride. The response I received was both unexpected and overwhelming --- in the best possible way. I'm so proud to be part of MMI's diverse and vibrant family!

The tapestry of LGBTQIA+ stories my teammates helped me weave warms my heart as much as any Pride event I have attended. They are simple and powerful, and I thank each one for sharing a little part of themselves with me, MMI at large, and our followers. For every one of us who shares, there’s another who feels they can’t yet. Maybe this helps nudge that door open just a little further. 

With that, I bring you MMI's virtual celebration of Pride 2020:

Jennifer Dial, MMI VP of eCX (right) and wife, Donna, walking to meet the officiant in Central Park, 2012.

“Who’d have imagined that a less-than-one-minute chat would result in the very best 25 years of my life? Not me! I’m so grateful that in 1995, despite seriously not enjoying crowds or heat, I attended the afternoon Houston Pride Parade. A chance meeting with Donna has turned into 25 wonderful years of joy, fun, and surprising social change. It was exciting and surreal to get married in 2012 in Central Park in New York (one of the few states at that time that recognized us). Unbeknownst to us, a picture was taken of us holding hands walking to meet the officiant. We treasure this photo. Maybe I lack imagination, but I never imagined sharing this part of myself so openly at work. It adds fuels to my advocation for other important social changes that enable everyone to be safe and thrive.”

Larry Snider, MMI Director of Community Relations (left), with husband, Fred, supporting marriage equality at a Palm Springs, CA rally in 2013, pending the court decision to overturn Prop 8, which had banned same-sex marriage. Larry and Fred were legally married in Palm Springs in 2008 just prior to the passage of Prop 8.

“This is the first time in my working career that I have been invited to share my identity as a gay man with my coworkers. I have been with my partner, now my husband, for 40 years this fall. Our marriage was not recognized in Alaska until the federal mandate in 2015. We have been plaintiffs in a lawsuit for equal treatment, represented by ACLU prior to the federal mandate, and won.

Although we were not at the 1969 Stonewall riots (we visited in 2017), we have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know three that were there and who now live in Palm Springs, where we snow-bird. As active participants for LGBT equal rights movement over the years, I am so pleased to to see the invitation to share Pride with my friends at MMI.”

Jai Makokha, MMI Financial Wellness Program Manager (left) and partner, Jarad, with their new puppy, Laia, during a recent visit to Piedmont Park in Atlanta. In addition to his skills in making dense subject matter relatable in his day-to-day work at MMI, Jai is an activist, advocate, and vlogger!

Tiffany Clark, MMI QA & Compliance Specialist (right), and daughter, Kennidy, at Atlanta Pride 2019.

“While my family has not always been accepting, I’m fortunate to have never felt discriminated against in the workplace based upon my orientation. I want our colleagues to know they are not alone!”

Kate Bulger, MMI Director of Business Development, and wife, Jodi, join counter-protest efforts during Atlanta Pride 2018 at Piedmont Park.

“My Family of Choice includes loved ones who identify as trans and non-binary. Every year, they march in the Trans March. And every year, my wife and I show our support by protecting the marchers from protesters. We aren’t alone in that effort. The protesters shout insults and hold up signs covered in hate speech. We physically get in between, holding up signs and flowers to try to cover them. We shout, sing, and bang on drums – anything to drown out the protesters’ bullhorns. At the end of the march, the protesters try to follow marchers into the larger Pride Event. This picture is from just after the protesters pushed through into the park. We (my wife and I are in there somewhere) are trying to stay in front to slow them down and allow the marchers to safely join the rest of the Pride event without being harassed.”

Arveta Nolan, MMI 2-1-1 Client Services Rep from Las Vegas.

"This photo was taken by my wife at the time. Although we are no longer together, we do most holidays and vacations as a family with our three sons.

Many thanks to MMI for creating a safe place for individuals to be themselves!"

Kevin Rempel, MMI Sr. Counselor (right), with friends at the 2019 Melrose Street Fair in Phoenix.

"It is awesome to to work for a company that is so diverse. Each of us, regardless of who we are or how we live our lives, are made to feel accepted and comfortable. The world would be a better place if everywhere was like it is at MMI!" 

“I am an MMI counselor from San Deigo, CA who identifies as lesbian and proud! I also have a son and four grandchildren.” – Be Lopez

Andy Gray MMI Sr. Director of HR (left), and husband, Omar, pictured in 2014 on their wedding day in San Diego, CA.

Kevin Dothage, MMI Accounting Specialist (left), and husband Georges, on their wedding day in 2016.

"MMI is the first work place that I've felt I am able to be out without any repercussions for being gay. I’ve always felt accepted here, which is a huge relief."

Sarah Triggs, MMI First Contact Specialist (right) and partner, Angelica, with one of their proud pups, Beethoven. Sarah and Angelica are getting married this October!



Thomas Nitzsche, MMI Director of Media & Brand (left) and partner, Jacob, with local queer and HIV activist Dieta Pepsi at Metro East Pride (Belleville, IL) in 2019.

"In 2003, I joined St. Louis-based BandTogether, one of many LGBT volunteer music organizations in the United States. While I will not be celebrating with BandTogether at local Pride events in 2020 due to COVID-19, I strongly believe in the importance of spaces where queer individuals can find safety and acceptance."

Carol Martin, MMI Payroll Manager (left), and granddaughter, Evelyn, at Evelyn's wedding in 2017.

“I’m really glad to see this celebration of our employees! My granddaughter Evelyn is transgender and her life has not been easy. So many people simply do not understand. I’ve watched her gain confidence and pride in who she is, and it’s such a reward to now see her so happy in her own skin. I love her with all my heart and always will. Thank you for allowing me to convey my love and respect for Evelyn and all of the LGBTQIA community. I have many friends who are proudly gay, and it is an honor to be able to call them my friends. Each of you has my love and support.” 

Ambar Sibaja, MMI Counselor (left), with friends at Pride 2019 in San Jose, Costa Rica.

“There is all the more reason to celebrate Pride this year, with the good news of Costa Rica legally approving same-sex marriage just last month! LOVE ALWAYS WINS!”