Fifth Third Bank: Celebrating Pride Month With Employee Business Resource Groups

June is the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, a tipping point of the gay rights movement in the United States. At Fifth Third, LGBTQ+ business resource groups across the Bank’s footprint are participating in activities through June to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other individuals have had on history locally, nationally and internationally.

Fifth Third’s employees are what make the Bank great. This important piece of our employee value proposition is shown through those who lead and participate in our business resource groups across the footprint, including the LGBTQ+ BRGs. We’re also proud to have recently been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+.

The Bank’s Carolinas’ Region LGBTQ+ BRG planned this year’s Enterprise LGBTQ+ BRG virtual Pride Month celebration, which will feature Nancy Pinckney, chief human resources officer and executive advocate of the LGBTQ+ Enterprise BRG. The celebration features several guest speakers who will engage in a panel discussion.

“The Carolinas have developed strong relationships with two LGBTQ chambers of commerce that cover our market,” said Matthew Humphrey, financial center manager in Charleston, South Carolina, and co-chair of the Carolinas LGBTQ+ BRG. “In April and May, we held business expos to highlight our partnerships and one of the chambers’ leaders will join us on the call.”

Kade Kimber, president of Harmony: NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce, will join Maigen Sullivan and Joshua Burford, co-executive directors of Invisible Histories (which focuses on advancing LGBTQ+ southern history), for a robust panel conversation.

“I think it’s valuable anytime we can share the impact that Fifth Third has in our communities,” said Wes Curry, float pool program manager in Charlotte and co-chair of the Carolinas LGBTQ+ BRG. “I’m excited to be part of the work to drive connectivity across our rapidly growing market.”

As part of Fifth Third’s relationship with the chambers, the Bank sponsored 10 students from Johnson S. Smith University and the University of North Carolina to attend the Queer Histories South Seminar in Charlotte.

“The primary purpose of the seminar is to provide networking, professional development and best practices for those working in Southern LGBTQ+ history, archives, exhibits, research and education,” Matthew said. “I’m proud to help continue the growth and education for these students.”

Wes and Matthew share their traditions and advice on celebrating Pride Month:

“Educate yourself. Watch a documentary or read a book to learn more. There is so much history out there. Take the time to learn so that you can realize and appreciate who came before us so that ‘living out loud’ is an option for us all today.”

– Wes Curry, Carolinas LGBTQ+ co-chair and float pool program manager in Charlotte.

“I plan to attend Pride activities in my area, and I encourage employees to venture out and experience what Pride looks like in your community. Work to find a common connection with members of the LGBTQ+ community to create connections and belonging. I also take the opportunity each Pride Month to volunteer for a local nonprofit that supports the LGBTQ+ community.”

– Matthew Humphry, Carolinas LGBTQ+ co-chair and financial center manager in Charleston, South Carolina.