Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Journal- Pride Month 2025
This Pride Month serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, the importance of inclusivity, and the need to foster understanding across cultures and societies globally. While it is a time for celebration, it is also a time for reflection and renewed commitment to building societies where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live authentically and without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
Pride Month commemorates the courageous individuals who have fought tirelessly for recognition, acceptance, and equal rights. Throughout history, progress has been achieved through resilience and advocacy, often amidst formidable opposition. In the U.S., landmark victories and setbacks have shaped the landscape of LGBTQ+ rights. For instance, while the Biden administration has taken steps toward greater equality, President Trump’s return to office presented significant challenges to the LGBTQ+ community.
President Trump began his second term by signing Executive Orders that diminished the rights and protections of LGBTQ+ individuals. These orders stipulated that the U.S. would only recognize two sexes, banned gender-affirming care for individuals under 19, and prohibited the use of federal funds to promote gender identities. These anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives underscored the importance of vigilant advocacy and the resilience of the community to push back against efforts to diminish hard-won rights. The contrasting approaches of political leadership highlight that progress is often nonlinear and requires persistent effort from scholars, policymakers, and allies worldwide.
Despite setbacks, Pride Month remains a beacon of hope. It reminds us that the fight for equal rights is ongoing and that solidarity across borders is essential. Let us honour the resilience of those who have fought for equal rights and continue to advocate for policies that recognize and protect the dignity of all people. As we celebrate Pride, I encourage everyone to stand in solidarity, educate ourselves about LGBTQ+ issues, and foster environments where everyone feels understood and valued.
In this respect, EDI Journal is committed to amplifying voices that challenge discrimination, document the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, and encourage research that fosters inclusion in workplaces, education institutions, and communities-at-large. We believe that research and knowledge are catalysts for social change. As an international journal, we provide a forum for teacher- and activist-scholars to collaborate, share, and mobilize knowledge that shape policies that promote inclusivity and social justice.
This month provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive world, one where Pride is not just celebrated in June, but embraced every day of the year.
Happy Pride Month to all.
- Professor Eddy Ng, Editor-in-Chief of EDI
Acceptance of same-sex couples in Protestant churches in the US by Young-Joo Lee
The equality equation: toward a rainbow-friendly financial sector in India by Hardeep Singh Mundi
Employment discrimination of the LGTBIQ+ migrant population: a scoping review by M. Dolores Vallellano, Nidia Mora-Quiñones, and Rocío Fajardo-Fernández
Gender, sexual orientation and the pay gap: an analysis in light of homophobia and gender stereotypes by Clotilde Coron
Discrimination in the hiring process – state of the art and implications for policymakers by Cinzia Calluso and Maria Giovanna Devetag
Addressing diversity in flux: identity work, identity negotiation and intersectionality insights by Iresha Donmanige, Shamika Almeida, and Betty Frino
Fluidity of social identities: implications for applying intersectionality by Babar Dharani
“They kill us mentally”: exploring microaggression towards LGBTQIA+ employees in Indian workplaces by Sucharita Maji and Devu Rajeev
Nothing for us, except by us – Support for queer ethnic young people in Aotearoa New Zealand by Camille Nakhid, Tommy Sokun Long, Mengzhu Fu, Makanaka Tuwe, Zina Abu Ali, Lourdes Vano, Pooja Subramanian, Caryn Yachinta, and Claire Farrugia
Belonging beyond the binary: the positive experiences of visible non-binary and genderqueer individuals in the workplace by Megan Trotter and Julia Yates