It’s Pride Month: a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, reflect on the progress we’ve made, and acknowledge the challenges we still face.
Around the world, queer people are once again being pushed to the margins – not just socially, but politically and personally. And yet, like any resilient system, community finds a way to adapt, to support, to persist.
At Icinga, we believe that open source should be open to everyone. That includes all the colors of the rainbow: queer contributors, users, colleagues, and allies. Inclusion isn’t a one-month message. It’s a long-term commitment to creating spaces where people can thrive, contribute, and be themselves.
This topic is also a personal one to me, of course. As a trans, non-binary, and proudly queer member of the alphabet mafia, I feel deeply honoured to be allowed to represent Icinga in our community.
Being a very visibly queer person in today’s climate can be daunting. Being “out” at work is still something not everyone can afford to do. It’s a vulnerable act. Laying yourself bare and trusting that your truth will be met with respect, not rejection. And the truth is, that trust is not always rewarded. Even now, people lose their jobs, their safety, and their support systems simply for being who they are, or loving who they love.
That makes it all the more powerful, and all the more important, when workplaces actively choose to make space. Icinga is that kind of place for me. I’ve felt seen, respected, and celebrated here. Not despite my identity, but with it. And that’s not something I take for granted.
I hope that by being out and visible, I can offer a little courage to someone else. But if you’re not in a place where being out feels safe – that’s okay, too. There’s no right way to be queer. You don’t owe anyone your story, and you’re no less valid for protecting your peace. Do what feels safe. You’re not alone.
Whether you’re loud and proud, quietly questioning, or just getting by: you matter. You belong. And we’re glad you’re here.
Happy Pride. 🏳️🌈
If you’re looking for support, or ways to help, consider checking out these organizations doing vital work for the LGBTQIA+ community:
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ILGA World
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World) is a global federation of over 1,700 organizations from more than 160 countries. They work to advance the rights of LGBTQIA+ people worldwide through advocacy, research, and support for grassroots movements. ILGA publishes key reports, including the annual State-Sponsored Homophobia report, and helps connect local queer communities with international human rights efforts. -
OutRight International
Based in the U.S., The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQIA+ youth. They offer 24/7 support via phone, text, and chat, and run educational programs to create safer spaces in schools and communities. Even if you’re not in the U.S., their resources can be lifesaving for young queer people everywhere. -
Rainbow Railroad
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQIA+ individuals escape state-sponsored violence and persecution by facilitating safe relocation to countries where they can live freely. Inspired by the historical Underground Railroad, the organization has helped thousands of queer people flee from places where simply being themselves is a crime. - Fluchtgrund Queer – Queer Refugees Deutschland
This project supports LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers in Germany. It provides multilingual resources, peer support, workshops, and safe spaces. Queer Refugees Deutschland helps people navigate the asylum process and find protection in an environment that respects their identities. They work together with different local organisations all across Germany, and we will support our local org here in Nuremberg with a 500€ donation 🙂
