PrideWide

Unlocking potential with LGBTQIA+ partnerships: Pride Wide’s corporate program Many LGBTQIA+ nonprofits offer corporate partnerships but our new “Pride Widening” program isn’t a begging bowl but a business driver. Pride Wide helps partners unlock the untapped potential in talent, customers, and governance through partnerships with the LGBTQIA+ community. Even today, 80% of LGBTQIA+ Gen Z and Millennials fear being out at work means they are less likely to reach the top (myGwork/ Highered 2024). That’s something employers have to take seriously when more than a quarter of Gen Z is identifying as LGBTQIA+. Many DEI efforts stop there. But being inclusive is also about engaging customers – be they consumers or B2B clients. Google’s Consumer Survey found 54% of under-34s favor brands who are committed to equality. These are today’s decision makers. And if you want to advance your ESG, LGBTQIA+ programs are essential too. Eight out of 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals relate to our community. You can’t achieve your aims without us. With many companies seeking a fresh approach to DEI, our Pride Widening program is coming at the right time. It helps identify the opportunities posed by more than 801million LGBTQIA+ people around the world, then tell the stories and create the conversations that will change culture and deliver value. We were lucky enough to have major law firm Reed Smith host the launch of our Pride Widening program in May in the City of London. Our guest speaker, Baroness Liz Barker, a member of the UK House of Lords and a leading LGBTQIA+ campaigner, emphasized the urgent need for Pride Wide. She called on business and community leaders to regain "narrative power" and counter the dominant media and political agendas that often oppose LGBTQIA+ rights. Tris Reid-Smith, co-founder and CEO of Pride Wide, addressed around 100 business and community leaders at the program's launch. He explained how Pride Widening challenges businesses to move beyond viewing LGBTQIA+ people as a policy problem and instead recognize the opportunities for growth and improvement in culture and sustainability. It offers a storytelling and engagement approach that counters division and promotes unity and progress. The Pride Widening partnership program is delivered by Pride Wide CIC, a nonprofit community interest company. Proceeds from its activities fund the charitable activities of the Pride Wide Trust (a charity registered in England and Wales, 1208890). Pride Wide works towards a world where all LGBTQIA+ people are free, equal, visible, included, healthy, and happy. Tris Reid-Smith Scott Nunn Susan Eastoe Deon Pillay CMgr MCMI Jean-Michel Orieux Henry Agbo Ian Green OBE Bisi Alimi

Pride Wide: Filling the storytelling gap for LGBTQIA+ equality Pride Wide is a new kind of global non-profit organization, working towards a future of freedom, equality, and visibility for LGBTQIA+ people around the world. What sets us apart? Our focus is on storytelling and engagement. Many LGBTQIA+ changemakers, while effective in policy and legal battles, lack the communication skills to win hearts and minds. This creates an opening for negative narratives to dominate the news media and social platforms. Pride Wide's solution: Compelling stories: We will counter negative narratives by crafting powerful and relatable stories about the LGBTQIA+ community. Global collaboration: Led by a global board, we bring together experts in media, business, charities, and community leadership from around the world. Experienced leadership: Our founders have a proven track record in creating engaging and impactful LGBTQIA+ content through their previous work running the much-missed global website, Gay Star News. How you can get involved: If you'd like to learn more about Pride Wide or contribute to our mission, reach out to us at pridewide@pridewide.org. #LGBTQIA #Equality #Storytelling #PrideWide #NonProfit Scott Nunn Tris Reid-Smith