As Pride Month continues, a community-led event in New York brought together LGBTQ+ professionals and advocates for an evening focused on visibility, solidarity, and professional growth.
Organized by the Queer Consulting Network (QCN), “One Community, One Voice, All Pride” assembled 12 LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations for a night of networking, resource-sharing, and collaboration. QCN, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, fully funded the event to ensure the focus remained on mission rather than corporate sponsorship.
“This event creates a space where we can stand together, not just a celebration, but in solidarity, whether it is through professional networking, storytelling, or advocacy,” said Ahmet Aydogan, president of QCN. “We aim to showcase what is possible when we live with pride, authenticity, and mutual support. Ultimately, this gathering is about reinforcing the idea that we are stronger together, one community, united voice, committed to progress and all.”
The event emphasized the importance of professional networking — particularly for queer professionals working in fields like tech, finance, and science — at a time when LGBTQ+ rights continue to face national challenges.
Charlie Conard, CEO and founder of the National Network of Out Pro, which has 10 chapters across the United States, highlighted the urgency of building community in both personal and professional settings.
“Diverse talent is proven to be very profitable for companies over homogeneous teams,” Conard said. “We are a room of diverse talent that’s motivated and community-conscious.”
Josh Rot, who works in clinical trials and data science, attended after being invited by a LinkedIn connection who saw his mention of being queer in science and tech.
“I think we need to be having more conversations,” Rot said. “I think the problem with the world these days is that we stop talking to each other. We’re not listening to one another. And the biggest thing about change is talking and having those conversations. And I think a little bit of representation, a little bit of visibility, will go a long way.”
Matt, 73, noted that while conversations about diversity are more common today, age is often left out. For him, the event offered a meaningful opportunity to connect with other LGBTQ+ professionals and feel seen in a multigenerational event.
Juan Lopez Gutierrez, a founding member of QCN, spoke about the power of visibility and representation in the workplace, especially for queer individuals with intersecting identities.
“Visibility matters, and having someone who is visibly out and showing that it’s okay helps you embrace your authentic self,” he said.
More than a celebration, the evening served as a reminder of what’s possible when LGBTQ+ people come together among industries and identities — with pride, purpose, and a commitment to building a more inclusive professional future.