June is Pride month here at Bungie and this year, we’re getting louder and feeling prouder than ever! Through the combined efforts of our Trans@Bungie and the newly formed Pride@Bungie IDEAs (Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Associations), we’ve organized several activities and events to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community this year, and we’re excited to bring some of that celebration to you all as well. If you are looking to show off your own colors this year, we have a couple of goodies for you, BUT before we get into those details, let’s take a moment to about what Pride is and why it matters.
WHY PRIDE MATTERS
Why does Pride matter? It’s a good question and one that doesn’t have any one answer. It’s a celebration. It’s a family. It’s remembrance of a history full of people that were willing to put everything on the line for the freedom to be who they truly are. History like 1969’s Stonewall Riots that sparked a flame that rages even now for the modern gay rights movement in the United States. History like same-sex marriage legalization efforts in countries like Spain, South Africa, Sweden, France, Austria, Taiwan, and so many more over the past 20 years.
It’s about never giving up on protecting those in the LGBTQ+ community that are still being persecuted because of who they are and their gender identity.
It’s also about celebrating within the community and with allies, showing a force of love and acceptance to bring a little light to the world where others would dim it. It’s about celebrating our authentic selves, our right to love, and our right to be.
At the end of the day, Pride is about never being quiet and knowing that you are enough.
In continued celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, Pride@Bungie couldn’t wait to collaborate with Trans@Bungie to craft a meaningful, educational, and encompassing Pride Month for our employees here at the studio and for our community, so let’s dive right in, shall we?
YOU GET AN EMOTE, YOU GET AN EMOTE
Last year, thanks to the effort of many folks across the studio, we were able to share a message with our entire community on National Coming Out Day, as well as release Pride-themed wallpapers featuring several of Destiny 2’s LGBTQ+ cast. Additionally, we also announced the free release of the End of the Rainbow transmat for all players. (If you’re like "Wow, that sounds awesome” but you missed the original memo, check out that link above!)
This year, we’re excited to bring you one more piece of in-game content, coming to you live in the heart of Pride Month. The shades of Pride are broad and diverse, and we all shine a little brighter against the dark when we shine together. Starting today, you can summon rainbows outside of transmat, too, with the Rainbow Connection emote.
Want to emote your way into another wonderful Pride? We get it. No worries, we’ve got you covered. And just in case you missed last year’s Transmat, we’ve got that for you as well. Enjoy!
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Emote goodness: TK7-D3P-FDF
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Transmat goodness: R9J-79M-J6C
But the opportunity for Pride flair isn’t just digital… let’s bring that Pride to our IRL builds as well.
WEAR YOUR PRIDE ON YOUR SLEEVE
This year, we are continuing our support for the It Gets Better Project and offering new ways for folks to donate to a wonderful charity. If you’re unfamiliar with the work that It Gets Better Project does for our community, here’s a quick crash course for you to enjoy:
The It Gets Better Project is a global movement that aims to uplift and support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth. It was created in 2010 by Dan Savage, a beloved LGBTQ+ activist and author, in response to a spate of suicides among LGBTQ+ teenagers. The project seeks to provide hope, encouragement, and resources to LGBTQ+ young people who may be experiencing bullying, harassment, or isolation due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The central message of the It Gets Better Project is that life improves for LGBTQ+ individuals as they navigate adolescence and transition into adulthood. The initiative encourages people from all walks of life to share their personal stories of struggle, acceptance, comradery, and resilience through videos or other forms of media. These stories aim to provide support, foster a sense of community, and inspire LGBTQ+ youth to persevere through challenging times.
If you are looking to donate and support this wonderful organization, we have some good news: the Pride 2.0 pin is back in stock in the Bungie Store! Each purchase of the Pride 2.0 pin will include the Infinite Prismatic Emblem and 100% of the proceeds for the month of June will directly support the It Gets Better Project.
If your pin collection is full but you’re looking to show off that sweet emblem, no worries - we got you covered. A direction donation to the Bungie Foundation grants you the emblem seen alongside the pin pictured above, as well!
And there you have it, folks! Hopefully, we have provided you all with more than enough ways for you to show off your colors and celebrate Pride in your own way. This Pride Month let’s celebrate our communities and progress we’ve made. Whether you’re a member of the community or an ally, don’t forget that we still have far to go!
Super Iris Ad Astra (Over the Rainbow to the Stars),
Pride@Bungie and Trans@Bungie