More than a Sign: Reflecting on Pride, Inclusivity, and Where We Go from Here

When we set out to create a new Pride sign for Republic’s studio, the idea was straightforward: refresh our window display to celebrate the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community during Pride season. But what began as a creative design task quickly became something deeper—a reflection on who we are, what we value, and where we still have work to do.

The Pride Sign Design Jam

It started informally—a group of team members gathered over lunch for a “Pride Sign Design Jam,” brainstorming ideas and sharing inspiration. But as sketches turned into conversations, it became clear this wasn’t just about making something visually striking. It was about how we show up.

Asking the Bigger Question

As we explored design directions, we paused to reflect: What do we really want to communicate—not just through colours and words, but through intention and impact?

That reflection led us to an important truth: the sign shouldn’t be about centering ourselves—it should be about extending a genuine welcome to everyone. Especially those who may not always see themselves reflected or included.

Designing with Intention

So we shifted our approach. We stopped thinking of the sign as a symbol of where we are now, and started thinking of it as a marker of where we want to go. We designed something that speaks to humanity, to dignity, to belonging—for people of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences.

The message is clear: You are welcome here. Not because we’ve figured it all out—but because we’re committed to doing the work.

Pride Is More Than a Moment

That conversation sparked something bigger. It reminded us that real inclusivity isn’t a one-time initiative or a seasonal gesture. It’s ongoing. It has to live in our hiring practices, in the voices we amplify, in the questions we ask, and in the ways we hold ourselves accountable.

We know we’re on a journey. We’re proud of the culture we’re building, but we also recognize there’s still more to do—more learning, more listening, more action. And that’s okay. Because building an inclusive workplace isn’t about arriving at a final destination. It’s about showing up with honesty and humility, again and again.

What Comes Next?

Today, the new sign hangs in our studio window. It is vibrant, meaningful, and deeply rooted in the voices of our team. But we know real inclusivity doesn’t hang on a wall—it shows up in our actions, our conversations, and our commitment to one another.

We’re committed to continuing that conversation—and we hope you’ll join us. Especially if your voice hasn’t always been heard, we want to listen.

We want “You are welcome here” to be more than just a sign. We want it to be a feeling. A practice. A promise we keep showing up to fulfill.

Want to Share Your Story?

We encourage you to share what inclusion looks like in action. Use the hashtag #MoreThanASign or drop us a note. We’d love to hear from you.