Naperville resident Carrie Noe shares that 'being an ally is a verb' this Pride Month

June is Pride Month and for Carrie Noe, a Naperville resident and a senior community affairs coordinator at Nicor Gas, her family's favorite phrase is, "being an ally is a verb."

"Our oldest son came out to us as gay when he was 16 years old," she said. "We have always been open about our support of the LGBTQ+ community so he told us he wasn't nervous to tell us. We gave him a big hug and told him we were proud of him living authentically."

The Noe family knows that acceptance isn't always the case for many people who come out to their families. That is why Pride Month is so important to them.

"For LGBTQ+ people who have faced rejection from their family or community, Pride Month is a reminder of the people and organizations who support and celebrate LGBTQ+ people and recognize and acknowledge the discrimination they have faced and still continue to face," said Noe. "The reality is that in 29 states, LGBTQ+ people still face legal discrimination - they can be evicted, denied service from a business or denied medical care because of their orientation or identity. That is why Pride Month is important. Marriage equality was a big step, however there is still a long way to go in terms of equality for the LGBTQ+ community."

To make a difference in her community, Carrie volunteers with Youth Outlook, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for LGBTQ+ youth and their families across northern Illinois.

"I speak on behalf of Youth Outlook as a parent and volunteer about the importance of being an ally and how to create inclusive environments," she said. "I have also led a parent group where parents of LGBTQ+ youth come together to build community and share experiences and resources."

In her professional role, Carrie participates in LGBTQ+ events at Nicor Gas to increase awareness of the importance of being an ally and addressing ongoing issues on inequality.

"There is power in community."