Pride is celebrated every June and this year marks the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in the UK. The event celebrates and raises awareness of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community – commonly referred to as LGBTQ+. The ‘+’ sign stands for anyone in the community who does not fit under these rigid definitions, because Pride is all about being accepted for who you are.
It is also very important to remember that, while Pride Month and rainbows can look like a big celebration, to a lot of people it is a very important time of the year, because it highlights the struggles they still face.
LGBTQ+ in workplaces
Pride is important in society because it celebrates and accepts our natural diversity, and the same goes for the workplace. Embracing diversity and equality creates a supportive work environment for all employees. LGBTQ+ employees need safe, secure and welcoming workplaces, where their protections are embedded and robust enough that they withstand ongoing outside pressures and negative opinions.
This can be tricky since not everyone feels comfortable being “out” at work. In the UK, more than a third of LGBT staff hide who they are at work. Many people are worried their co-workers will treat them differently. It can be exhausting. That’s why it is important to celebrate with the people who support you!
“At JCA we take great care in making sure that all our employees are treated fairly. Every employee is required to assist JCA with this commitment. Most of all, we want JCA to be a safe, secure and welcoming workplace for everyone.”
Tom Absalom, Managing Director
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