11th June 2024
“We deserve to experience love fully, equally, without shame and without compromise.”
Most of us lucky humans are at work almost 75-80% of our entire week, and for a few decades. While we cannot always control some of the ups and downs of the work day, the industries we work in, or the economic situation, one thing we can always control is how we treat others. Pride month is such an important time for celebration and reflection on our LGBTQIA+ community and also on ourselves as individuals.
We frequently learn from our clients who have embraced diversity and inclusion, and not only is it the right thing to do but it is also beneficial for business. Diverse teams are more innovative and productive and, when employees feel safe and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. This ultimately leads to better performance and job satisfaction.
Everyone does deserve to have the same opportunities. In an article from Catriona Clarke at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (“LGBTQ+ scientists who shaped history”) she said:
“According to Pride in STEM, only 60 per cent of LGBTQ+ people who work in STEM are out to their colleagues, and 50 per cent of transgender and gender non-conforming people have been harassed in their own departments. Science thrives on diversity. Diversity of opinions, upbringing, experiences, and lifestyles, brings about innovation. It is imperative that everyone feels safe and comfortable to be their true selves at work, as that is how the best work is achieved.”
“One of the most notable LGBTQ+ scientists from history is Alan Turing. He was a mathematician and computer scientist, famed for cracking intercepted ‘Enigma’ coded messages in World War II.”
We urge our connections, clients and candidates to consider – is there is more you could do to improve the environment for LGBTQIA+ employees? Also consider your interview process, do you have a diverse panel for interviewing? Can you ask for more feedback from your colleagues on how to improve or make change? Don’t be afraid. Let’s continue to push for equality.
#PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #EqualityForAll
Links:
“Pride in STEM”
A fantastic charity ran by an independent group of scientists and engineers and we encourage anyone within the community to join the conversation.
“LGBTQ+ People in STEM”
https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/stories/lgbtq-people-stem
‘Workplace Pride”
Workplace Pride is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to improving the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer (LGBTIQ+) people in workplaces worldwide.
