Bridging differences through allyship: Ahmed on Pride and community

My Name is Ahmed Shalabi. I am a Global Sales Strategist for our Inside Sales team at Hitachi Vantara. I am also the Co-lead for our Rainbow Connection ERG.

My favorite Pride related story.

I grew up in a small town in Southern Indiana — the kind of place where being different often meant being alone. As a Muslim kid, I often felt the impact of bias and exclusion. At the time, I wasn’t familiar with the LGBTQ+ community, but as I got older, I realized that many others in my hometown carried similar burdens in silence. Most didn’t feel safe enough to come out until they left. I eventually moved to Kansas City and built a life surrounded by diversity. I now serve on the board of SAVE, Inc., a nonprofit that provides housing, mental health support, and emergency shelter to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Every year, we march in the city’s Pride parade. Two summers ago, my 15-year-old nephew came to visit from that same Indiana town and I told him about the work I was doing with the nonprofit — why it mattered, and who it was for. He had a lot of questions… and a lot of confusion. At one point, I asked him, “How would you feel if I were gay?” He paused and said, “That would be too weird. I’d probably have to go home.” That moment hit hard. I shared with him that I wasn’t, but that I was an ally, and why this work matters. He listened and agreed to come to a Pride event with me. That day changed everything. I introduced him to friends from across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum — people full of life, laughter, and love. By the end of the day, he was smiling, open to learning and seeing the world through a broader lens.

Top 5 tips for celebrating Pride for the first time.

1. Come as you are - and stay open. You don’t need to know everything or wear rainbow gear to belong. Pride is about authenticity. Show up with an open mind and a kind heart - that’s more than enough.

2. Listen, learn, and celebrate all identities. Pride is joyful, but it’s also deeply rooted in resilience and activism. Take time to learn about the history behind it and celebrate the full spectrum of the community, not just the visible ones.

3. Support queer-owned businesses and causes. Whether you’re attending a festival or scrolling social media, look for ways to support LGBTQIA+ creators, nonprofits, and small businesses. Pride is about celebration and empowerment.

4. Know your environment and respect boundaries. Pride events are safe spaces. Ask before taking someone’s photo, respect people's pronouns and identities, and remember not all attendees are out in every part of their life.

5. Bring a friend Pride is powerful when shared. Invite someone who’s curious, nervous, or still learning — or be that support for someone else. That’s allyship in action.

Find out more about more about our culture and careers at Hitachi Digital Services.