For the last 50 years, Pride month has been commemorated in the UK every June and has grown to be an event celebrated by millions. We sat down with members of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) committee to find out why Pride month is so important.
We’re all human beings
“Fundamentally, to me Pride means openly celebrating those who have historically been oppressed just for simply making the choice to live as the person they are. For many people, it’s very hard to imagine being looked down on by society because of something as trivial as who you’re attracted to, so it’s a really important time for reflection and empathy as much as it is for celebration.
It’s about acknowledging that no matter what you identify as or what choices you make in life, we’re all human beings and it doesn’t entitle people to treat you any differently.”
Gurdip Memmi
Chair of the NFP Europe DEIB committee and Employee Benefits Consultant
...an event celebrated by millions
"For the last 50 years, Pride month has been commemorated in the UK every June and has grown to be an event celebrated by millions – not just by people that are in the LGBTQIA+ community but also by plenty that aren’t. The history of the event has its roots in New York and the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which challenged the criminalisation of the gay community and helped to spark the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights across the globe. "
Kayleigh Houghton
Member of the NFP Europe DEIB committee and manager of our insurance broking department & wholesale insurance division
...a key opportunity for those outside this community to educate themselves
"June is not only a time to recognise those that identify as LGBTQIA+ and the struggles they have - and to some extent, still - face, but also a key opportunity for those outside this community to educate themselves on what it takes to be a true ally to their LGBTQIA+ friends, family members and colleagues."
Ravi Punn
Member of the NFP Europe DEIB committee and Consultant
...educating people about why Pride is so important
“In the workplace, I think the celebration should be centred around educating people about why Pride is so important. From many businesses you’ll see things like cupcakes, banners and rainbow-coloured logos, but without the education of what is being celebrated in the first place and why, these are gestures that can carry little meaning.
Put on events like educational workshops and invite a guest (or maybe even one of your LGBTQIA+ people) to speak about the history and significance of Pride month. This should help to spread awareness among your workforce and can help to maintain a positive, safe and inclusive office environment.”
Evett Besley
Member of the NFP Europe DEIB committee and Head of Client Services
...having an inclusive company culture could be valuable reassurance
“It’s so important to be LGBTQIA+ inclusive for many reasons, but partly because there may be people within your business that are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, that aren’t as comfortable being open about their sexuality. A commitment to celebrating Pride and having an inclusive company culture could be valuable reassurance to these people that they can bring their true selves to work, without worrying about being looked at or treated any differently as a result.”
Laura Nelson
Secretary of the NFP Europe DEIB committee and Executive PA
...diversity nurtures teams that are rich in fresh ways of thinking and tackling problems
"Aside from the benefits to company culture, research has proven that there is a positive correlation between a more diverse workforce and economic prosperity. For example, companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to financially surpass the median earnings in their respective industries. Why? Because diversity nurtures teams that are rich in fresh ways of thinking and tackling problems, which can help to drive innovation and keep your business reaching its goals.
From a culture perspective, it communicates to everyone that, regardless of their background or personal circumstances, they are valued by the business and belong there.”
Joanna Bristow
Member of the NFP Europe DEIB committee and People Development Manager
...a good starting point is to take it upon yourself to educate yourself
“If you are not a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or know many people that are, I’d say a good starting point is to take it upon yourself to educate yourself; listen to the conversations that are being had around Pride month and do your best to learn about what the LGTBQIA+ community have historically had to go through to get to where they are today.
Once you take the time to understand the struggle a minority group has faced, it can then become easier to empathise with people from those groups and help you to identify language and behaviours – both from yourself and others - that may be harmful and shouldn’t be normalised."
Megan Byrne
Deputy chair of the DEIB committee and People Development Coordinator
...encouraging healthy conversation to spread awareness
"NFP have business resource groups that people can join to get more information about minority groups and communities. They are designed to help educate people on what it means to be a member of these groups, with colleagues sharing their experiences and encouraging healthy conversation to spread awareness of what it is like to live as a part of certain minority groups. These can therefore help to educate you on how to support and be an ally to groups such as the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Emma Hay
Member of the DEIB committee and Learning & Development Advisor
