As an LGBTQIA+ disabled woman, Pride to me is a celebration of my identity. My career is a significant part of that identity, so it’s important the environment I work in is one where I can fully be myself.
39% of LGBTQIA+ employees believe being out at work would result in discriminatory treatment. According to the Deloitte Global 2023 LGBT+ Inclusion at Work Report, one third of respondents were actively trying to find a more LGBT+ inclusive employer. This underlines the global business need to foster queer inclusive workplaces.
It’s also important to celebrate the progress that has been hard fought for. More businesses are taking steps to better support LGBTQIA+ employees and there is a general upward trend in inclusion efforts. Acknowledging what’s working well is useful for dismantling attitudinal barriers, and for embedding queer inclusion policy in corporate initiatives on a wider scale.
Allyship has a huge role in whether people feel comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity at work. Understanding this means businesses can cultivate allyship within teams through education and training, to create an equitable working environment for LGBTQIA+ colleagues.
Pride Month provides an important catalyst for meaningful conversation around internal policy. Organisations must carry this commitment forwards by rejecting tokenism and rainbow-washing, and instead embedding queer inclusion in daily practice. LGBTQIA+ inclusion is not a tick box; it’s the morally right thing to do, and a corporate responsibility.
Inclusion and accessibility are at the core of Transreport’s ethos. From day one, I felt comfortable sharing my lived experience as a bi, chronically ill creative, and that knowledge has been consistently valued. Hiring and supporting diverse talent unlocks a stream of creativity and ideas. LGBTQIA+ identity is a professional strength, and I am proud to work for Transreport who champion this perspective.