Why do you celebrate Pride and what makes it important for you to celebrate it?
I celebrate Pride because it represents a significant movement towards equality, acceptance, and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community. Pride events are not just about colourful parades and festivities; they are rooted in history and activism. Celebrating Pride is a way to recognise and appreciate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, while also highlighting the need for continued efforts to achieve full equality and acceptance in all aspects of life. It promotes empathy, understanding, and a commitment to building a more inclusive and compassionate society for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
How would you describe your experience as a queer person in the workplace?
In my current company - good. In previous countries and companies - room for improvement. Having an inclusive workplace culture has had a significant impact on my job satisfaction and productivity, not having to worry about concealing my identity or facing active discrimination allows me to focus on my work without additional burdens to my mental health.
Would you be comfortable sharing any learnings from your journey as a queer person that might inspire your co-workers?
Lead by example - being a role model for inclusivity, respect and empathy can encourage others to do the same. Celebrate diversity - embrace and celebrate that everyone is unique, remove judgement and biases and allow people to be themselves and contribute to a more vibrant and innovative work environment.
If Fourthline could do one thing better to be more inclusive for Queer people, what would that be?
A float on a boat at pride
How do you look back on participating in this initiative and what do you hope it brings/enables?
Visibility, inclusion, pride in being an ambassador in the business world.
