Celebrating Pride: Joy, Belonging, and Leveling Up Love

June is here, which means it’s time to break out the glitter, cue up that cherished dance playlist, and, most importantly, take a moment to honor, uplift, and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community—both around the world and right here at Owlchemy Labs.

Pride isn’t just about rainbows (though we do love a good gradient). It’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality, representation, and love without limits. It’s about creating space for self-expression, choosing authenticity every single day, and amplifying the voices that make this world—and the games we play in it—so vibrantly diverse.

Conglomni Corp is also pleased to distribute FOUR (that’s one more than three!) absolutely free, vibrantly inclusive wallpapers to celebrate Pride—because your desktop deserves some love too!

Big Hex says, “Y’all be who ya are—we’re cheerin’ loud ‘n proud!”

“Pride for me is the celebration of everything that makes us, US; our journey to self acceptance and love for our truest selves, the passion to fight for inclusivity and equity, with all our struggles, growth, and vulnerabilities included. To feel safe to sparkle loudly, live your truth, wear your heart on your sleeve, and to amplify and uplift others so they may shine in all ways big or small. We are all perfectly imperfect humans, with something beautiful to bring to the world, if only we have the support and guidance to do so. Imagine how much more kick-ass art, music, film we'd have in the world, if everyone could be their most genuine selves, bringing their fiercest charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent? Be the change you want to see in the world, even if it's as simple as being yourself - you are loved.” - Carrie W. (She/Her), Art Director 

At Owlchemy Labs, we believe that joy is a form of resistance. Resistance against a world that too often tries to define and divide us. Our games are quirky, inclusive, and full of heart because the people who make them are, too. This Pride, we asked some of our incredible LGBTQIA+ team members to share what Pride means to them, and the answers were as heartfelt, hilarious, and honest as you'd expect from a crew who spends their days designing VR worlds where high-fiving robots are basically mandatory.

ALICE says, “Happy Pridestest, anomalous beings!”

“Pride is a time to honor identity, creativity and community while pushing for greater inclusivity in the games industry and at large. Pride to me is not just about visibility - it’s about amplifying queer voices, and building worlds where everyone belongs, both on-screen and behind the scenes. I’m proud to be out at Owlchemy, and feel safe and seen being myself.” - Vanessa M. (She/They), Senior Marketing Lead

We also know that support means action. That’s why this year, we’re proud to donate once more to Qweerty Gamers, a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources and representation for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the gaming industry. Their work helps ensure that the next generation of queer gamers, creators, and dreamers can see themselves in the games they play—and have the support necessary to build new ones.

Job Bot says, “Affirming identity… Celebration protocols engaged!”

“If thinking that Sol Badguy is hot is wrong, then I don't want to be right. I hope I can show the world that queerness can be fun and beautiful, and I hope I can inspire another generation to learn to love themselves like my moms did.” - Paul H. (He/Him), QA

“With everything going on in the world, it’s more important than ever to fight, resist, but also to celebrate and not lose the softness that a lot of cruelty tries to kill out.There are a lot of people that try to take our right to exist away from us, we need each other now more than ever to not only show that we’re still here, but also that they can’t take joy from us. They can’t take us from us.” - Liana R. (She/They), Senior Community Manager

At Conglomni Corp (our totally-real, totally-benevolent corporate parent™), the Pride celebration is mandatory, the confetti is automated, and everyone gets a complimentary identity-affirming hologram badge. But back here on Earth, we know it takes more than a parade. It takes community, compassion, and commitment.

Vacation Bot says, “Ahhh, what a perfect time to shine bright and be yourself!”

“Being able to create opportunities for queer representation for folks to see themselves and maybe set down the shame, and start seeing the potential for what their futures could look like with self acceptance and hope. Not just for other people, but for YOU. There is room for you.” - Alex H. (She/They), Senior Producer

“To me, Pride is about feeling confident in being our genuine selves, and I chose to be out as nonbinary individual in order to empower others to feel comfortable in being themselves too.” - Zara L. (They/Them), Senior Brand Designer

To everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community: you are valid, you are loved, and you make our games—and our world—infinitely better by being you!

Happy Pride, from all of us at Owlchemy Labs! 🌈💖🦉

To dive even deeper into the history of Pride month, learn more here!