Natalie Weiss

2024 Seattle & Indy Pride Parade Giveaway

As a Co-Chair for the LGBTQ+ employee resource group (ERG) at Brooks and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I volunteered my time and talent to the Brooks DEI team to write the copy that was featured on cards given out with rainbow shoelaces attached at both the Indy Pride Parade on Saturday, June 8, 2024 and the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024. In total, 400 cards were handed out randomly throughout the crowds present.

The copy reads: Today & every day, we celebrate pride. Thank you for being uniquely you. You inspire us to keep moving. From, your friends at Brooks.

I sought to convey a message that my younger queer self would’ve wanted to hear – that my whole self is recognized and appreciated, and that I am an inspiration for others to keep pursuing a better future. It is my hope that at least one person who needed to hear that message received the card, laces and, most importantly, the reminder that the world is better with them in it, living authentically.