Celebrating Pride Month: Voices of support from our colleagues

What does Pride Month mean to you personally, and why do you think it is important?

Pride month is very important to me, as it allows me to celebrate with the people in my life who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. I believe Pride Month is very important as we need to raise awareness and help change perceptions and stigmas associated with LGBTQ+. I also believe that Pride Month can help members of the LGBTQ+ community who may be struggling with their identity or feeling isolated. It is a great experience to witness the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. I have been to Pride in Leeds previously and will attend again this year; it is great to see the community come together and show how amazing they are!

Can you share a personal experience that shaped your understanding and appreciation of the LGBTQ+ community?

Although I have close friends within the LGBTQ+ community, the main personal experience for me that has shaped my understanding and appreciation of the LGBTQ+ community is my dad. My dad was transgender and identified as Kathy. Sadly, Kathy passed away in July 2021. My dad truly embraced the transition process and enjoyed becoming Kathy. At her funeral, we chose to play Gloria Gaynor’s song – I am what I am. This truly summed up my dad’s transition and represented who she wanted to be.

Pride meant a lot to Kathy, and she went to London and Brighton Pride a number of times. However, Kathy would still struggle with the process and had to experience the lack of understanding and stigma that often surrounds the transgender process. This included, on occasions, witnessing hostility towards her. I am attending Leeds Pride this year to celebrate her and to remember how much Pride meant to Kathy.

How can individuals and organisations actively support LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion beyond Pride Month?

I think it is extremely important that LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion are continued beyond Pride Month. I believe that both individuals and organisations should take the time to raise awareness and provide support to the LGBTQ+ community. I believe that as individuals and as organisations, we should educate ourselves about LGBTQ+ to gain a better understanding and to reduce certain perceptions that have been created in the past. I believe that steps should also be taken to gain a better understanding and to prevent harmful prejudice and discrimination that the LGBTQ+ community often experiences on a daily basis.

Why do you think it’s important that organisations support Pride Month?

It’s so, so important. Organisations have a unique power in our society to influence and dictate norms and behaviour, and they, therefore, have this incredible opportunity to help abolish these made-up stigmas and rules. Any organisation that flies a rainbow flag and celebrates everything that makes humans so special and individual should receive a big pat on the back – you are a role model for the rest of the corporate world!

What can organisations do to promote a more inclusive culture? Are there any shining examples you’ve encountered where employers have got it right?

It’s quite simple: treat everybody as equal because that’s what we are. Whether we’re male, female, non-binary, trans, lesbian, gay, bi, black, white, brown, of mixed ethnic background, disabled, non-disabled, neurotypical, neurodivergent, or however else we identify. Show that you do not tolerate discrimination. Show that your organisation does not have a gender pay gap. Celebrate your diversity, share your history, and show you have moved beyond outdated norms and labels!

Why do you think it’s important that organisations support Pride Month?

Supporting Pride Month, as part of a wider inclusion strategy, helps all employees to feel seen, supported, and respected. Employers who take active steps towards establishing inclusive work policies, by showing visible commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and showcasing best practice equality policies, have a real impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ staff, helping to boost work morale and create a work environment that people are proud to work in.