We’re thrilled to kick off Pride month by shining a spotlight on four inspiring Local Guides who help to make the map more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community.
While Pride celebrations might look a little different this June, we’re looking forward to celebrating virtually with the community throughout the month, both here on Connect, via online meet-ups, and elsewhere. Keep an eye out for more information on how Google is celebrating Pride and how you can get involved.
In the meantime, read on to learn more about four incredible Local Guides who are making it easier to discover LGBTQ+ friendly places on Google Maps.
Carolina Maria Soares Lima, Level 6
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Carolina, but my friends call me Carol. I’m a 22-year-old geographer born and raised in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. I am a bisexual woman and so is my girlfriend.
What does Pride mean to you?
To me, Pride is a way to get strength. When I gather with other LGBTQ+s and we celebrate our existence, I feel stronger and I feel like we, as a group, have huge power to change the world. Every day should be like Pride and every walk should be a parade.
We were inspired by the Maps list you created of LGBTQ±owned businesses in Brazil. What inspired you to do this?
I already had that list [for a long time] and had always shared it with my friends. I think it is important to support women and LGBTQ+ people in what we do.
Why is it important to you to use Google Maps this way?
As a geographer, I understand the benefits of collaborating on Maps and as a traveler, I am a huge enthusiast of [learning about] cities and towns. Thanks to Google Local Guides, I always have amazing experiences when I travel and I want everyone, tourist or local, to have great experiences and support good and undiscovered businesses.
How will you celebrate Pride this year?
I’m already looking for celebrations that are going to happen virtually and I know that Sao Paulo is going to run the first virtual Pride, on June 14. Besides that, I’ll probably call my friends, drink something at home, and order food from LGBT±owned places to support them.
Daniel Reimer, Level 8
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Daniel, 37, and I’m originally from Germany, but I call London my home now. I’ve been here for about seven years. I have also lived in Canada and Japan. I like traveling and exploring places.
What does Pride mean to you?
Even as a gay man, I have not always taken note of Pride. But in the last five years or so, I have come to fully embrace it as a celebration as well as a necessary political movement.
We were inspired by the Maps list you created of LGBTQ±owned businesses in London. What inspired you to do this?
I love traveling and exploring new places, so I know how it feels to be a stranger in a new city. This can be especially intimidating if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community and trying to find a venue to fit in. Equally, if you call a big city like London your home, it can be challenging to find “your crowd” and a place where you feel welcome and comfortable. Unfortunately, it is also a reality that, in some instances, the LGBTQ+ community can be judgemental towards its own members. I therefore love pointing people in the right direction, to venues and places where they can have a good time and be themselves.
What has been your favorite place to celebrate Pride in past years?
In London, I love to take part in the parade dancing down the streets, then I usually volunteer in one of the stalls around town before continuing the celebrations with some friends. Generally, it is just a fantastic day to be out, soaking up the positive vibes, meeting new people and being happy to be alive. Since last year I have been trying to visit Prides in other countries where maybe more rights and acceptance remain to be fought for.
Stephanie Fritsch, Level 7
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Stephanie Josephine Fritsch. I’m originally from the state of Connecticut. I’m a transgender rights activist and advocate. I’ve been fighting for civil rights for the transgender community for about six years now publicly. I came out as a trans woman close to six years ago in Pennsylvania.
How do you celebrate Pride?
The best time I ever had was at the Women’s March in Washington D.C. I got to show my Pride being a woman. Transgender women are women.
How do you use Google Maps to make the Map more inclusive?
I became a Local Guide to help other people in my community go to establishments that were open and affirming to the transgender community. It’s amazing that over 3 million people have seen my pictures as a result. Google Maps is a good platform to help people understand the transgender life experience. I did it because I care about humanity.
How will you celebrate Pride this year?
I know I will be a digital activist at this moment. I will continue to fight for myself and others who do not have a voice.
Martina Alessandra, Level 5
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Martiña. I’m 34 years old, from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and currently based here. I have a bachelor’s [degree] in advertising, but I didn’t start working in the field until 5-6 years ago. Since then, I’ve also added event coverage which helped me get more involved with local LGBTQ+ community activities.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride, to me, means accepting who you are regardless of people’s perception of you, it’s about being unapologetically yourself. It’s also a time to honor all the people that have sacrificed so much to make our community the way it is today.
How do you usually celebrate Pride?
I usually attend local Pride celebrations when I’m home in DR. Even though same sex marriage is not legal here, the local LGBTQ+ community always celebrates Pride month every June. I attend Pride events when I’m travelling abroad as well.
How do you use Google Maps to make the Map more inclusive?
Putting drag shows on the Map started out of fun because I usually attend drag shows very often, whether they are local or abroad. So, instead of registering other spots on Google Maps, it’s highly likely to find my profile filled with places where you can find a good drag show.
Why is it important to you to use Google Maps this way?
It’s important to me because drag it’s a form of self expression, it’s connected to sexuality, gender fluidity, and having fun. It’s an important part of the LGBTQ+ community, and trust me when I say there’s always someone looking for shows like these when in a new town. So, I’m sort of “lighting the way” for people like me who can’t find them on the map when travelling.
These incredible people are just a small fraction of the Local Guides community. We want to thank all of you for your incredible contributions to the map, during Pride month and always.
Local Guides, we want to hear from you, too. How will you celebrate Pride this year? Let us know in the comments below.
