Conversations about Pride

Over the years at Pixelberry, we've been lucky enough to have passionate fans and employees from all backgrounds. It's inspiring to hear how many of our fans have found a safe place in our games. A place where they can be who they are, learn about themselves, and find friendship or love. We are deeply grateful for all the Pixelberry employees that have contributed to making these experiences possible for our fans. Even as we work to create safe spaces of empathy in our games and studio, that is not always the case out in the real world. 

Today, during a month where we should celebrate inclusion and love, our LGBTQIA+ fans and colleagues still don't feel safe or welcomed in our society. Even though marriage equality was legalized in the U.S. in 2015, the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly our trans and non-binary friends, are still struggling to be accepted and protected. That is why this year, in an effort to continue building safe spaces and to raise awareness, some of our colleagues shared what being part of the queer community means to them:

Growing up gay, I felt almost completely alone and without love. Later, as I met others in the LGBTQIA+ community and eventually married my husband, I learned how much love can be found within this community. - Tim (he/him)

It took me a long time to come to terms with my sexuality because I never quite felt that I fit into any particular "box." But I eventually gave myself the freedom to simply be, and not have to define myself. There's a lot of pressure to formally come out as a specific thing, so I think it's important to remember that it can take time to discover these parts of yourself, and the way you define yourself (or don't!) can be fluid and change over time. It's okay if you don't fall neatly into any category--identity is as wide as the human experience, and at the end of the day, you are the only person who gets to decide who you are. - Saran (she/her/hers)

Being a part of the community to me means finding a place of safety. My friends in the community have always been an outlet for me when the environment I lived in wasn't one that I could express myself in. I celebrate Pride Month by going to drag show brunches, community events, and reading up on the history of Pride. We should always honor our queer elders who have paved the way for us to be out and proud. - Maia (they/them)

It's wonderful to have the support of so many others. Many of us have gone through similar struggles, navigating our own identities and finding ways to tell others about them. Figuring out my gender and sexuality was a very long journey, and I never would have made it without my queer friends backing me up at every step. For me, Pride is about sharing my experiences so others know they're not alone, continuing to push for equality for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community, and celebrating who I am! - Emi (she/they/he)

We'd like to thank our team members for sharing their experiences. We hope that they may bring hope, understanding, and empathy. We want you to know that you are not alone. There have always been others like you out there living and thriving. You are loved and welcomed in the Pixelberry community.

Happy Pride!

<3 The Pixelberry team