Essilor’s Post

It was a great honor to be asked to share some thoughts about Pride, coming out, and what great allyship looks like during my keynote address for EssilorLuxottica, the world’s largest eyewear company.” As we celebrate Pride Month, it’s important for leaders to understand the significance of communicating with the LGBTQ+ community, which makes up 3.5% of the global population and represents a market worth approximately $3.7 trillion. Leaders should consider that employees who hide their identities at work can lose up to 10% of their productivity. My own experience as a closeted news reporter in the 1980s showed me how consuming this fear can be. Empathy goes beyond superficial gestures; it requires understanding and respect for each individual’s unique journey. Avoid making assumptions or using insensitive language. Effective allyship involves being vulnerable, using inclusive language, and genuinely listening to LGBTQ+ colleagues. By fostering an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves, we can improve workplace productivity and create a more inclusive and supportive culture for all. Everybody deserves to be treated how you want to be treated. Be confident that if you treat someone as a human being they’ll respond to you as one.

Ahead of the International LGBT Pride Day, IKEA has released its digital film, The Closet, which highlights the struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and encourages people to be more inclusive and compassionate towards them. The video focuses on developing stronger allyship with the community through empathy and open dialogue, urging people to rethink stereotypes and embrace diversity.   Conceptualised by Leo Burnett, the campaign revolves around the message ‘Closets are for clothes and not identities’. As shown in the video above, the film is set in a busy IKEA store with a closet in the centre and leads with a thoughtful question to the ones who chose to enter the closet- 'Many have lived here, can you?'. Moving further, the film goes on to show the reactions of curious customers who step in to find out what’s behind the closed doors—silence and a pair of headphones replaying biases that people from the queer community hear even today. Customers leave the closet with the realisation that, while they can step out, many will continue to live inside. Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Anna Ohlin, Country Marketing Manager, IKEA India, said, “At IKEA, we stand together with the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion. We believe authenticity is not something to hide but a gift to cherish. Many people continue to struggle to live their lives openly and, with this film, we want to create stronger awareness and inspire everyone to be true allies in society." "With The Closet, we intend to give a peek into the uncomfortable world for many in the LGBTQIA+ community. A reminder that we need to build a world that's more accepting and filled with love - where nobody has to live in a space that's uncomfortable, just for being their authentic self. We hope this sparks a debate in everyone's homes, and inspires reassuring actions."  says Pravin Sutar, National Creative Director, Leo Burnett Orchard.

Celebrate Pride with Legrand (India) ! This Pride Month, we're reiterating our commitment to fosteringa diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for everyone. A big thanks to Tony, Meenal, and the entire HR team led by Abhay, Anil, Gazala, Averyl & Sarmista Tripathy for their dedication to these values. At Legrand (India), we believe every color, every identity, every love is welcome. We proudly stand with the LGBTQIA+ community, celebrating the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives they bring. Here's how we champion inclusion: 1) Diversity & Inclusion Programs: We actively promote initiatives that create a safe space for everyone to be their authentic selves. 2) Employee Resource Groups: We empower employee-led groups that foster a sense of belonging and community. 3) Open & Respectful Environnment: We cultivate a culture of respect where everyone feels valued and heard. Do watch the video below & share your thoughts on building a more inclusive workplace in the comments below. [DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Pride, LGBTQIA Rights] KOMAL Aamod SHOBHA Megha Arzoo #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA+ #DiversityWins #Legrandlndia #WeEmbracelnclusion #LegrandlmprovingLives

The Recite Me styling tool was used on the TPP website 94 times in March allowing people to customise features such as font colour and size to make it more accessible for them. Find out more about Recite Me and how to make your website more accessible here: https://lnkd.in/eXnjkSps #Accessibility #Equality #Inclusion

Brands that get their voice, authenticity, values and message right, LGBTQIA+ people are ready to be your champions. That's one of the many findings in the Outvertising Consumer Report, a study that is more important than ever as brands grapple with how they can communicate with the community authentically and build inclusivity and diversity across their businesses. Rodney Collins PhD chatted with Sustainable Brands to break down the report and help brands and agencies to stand by, and prioritise, authentic LGBTQIA+ representation in their marketing and communications. Read the full article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eGmcr25u #Outvertising #LGBTQIA #inclusion

Happy Pride Month! It’s a tricky time for the LGBTQIA+ community, with many brands scaling back their Pride campaigns… but brands that do are missing opportunities with queer communities. Outvertising recently shared telling data in their latest consumer report: 67% of LGBTQIA+ people are likely to recommend products based on ads, with the number increasing for gen z and decreasing for non-queer people. LGBTQIA+ folk also have been revealed to have a higher expectation for advertising, asking brands to feature real people. They’re an audience that craves authenticity and messaging that resonates with their experiences - as multifaceted, intersectional people. Because brand campaigns shouldn’t be focused on “only” queer communication. Instead brands should communicate authentically, and include LGBTQIA + folk in their comms. This means bringing queer people into campaigns in an authentic and inclusive manner. It means testing with LGBTQIA+ folk, and building up your allyship credentials with the community. It also means sticking to your guns in the unlikely event there is backlash (more Nike than Budlight). We’re in a time where attitudes towards the LGBTQIA+ are becoming more negative, brands are in a position where they can help change attitudes and normalise the LGBTQIA + experience - which is a wonderfully powerful place to be this PRIDE month, standing in inclusive allyship. How is your brand celebrating Pride month this year? How are you standing in allyship this Pride? ID: Orange background, white text "Happy PRIDE month!", with the pride stripes in the bottom right corner. #pridemonth2024 #pride #prideMonth #inclusiveBrands #inclusiveMarketing #makingADifference

The Recite Me styling tool was used on the TPP website 94 times in March allowing people to customise features such as font colour and size to make it more accessible for them. Find out more about Recite Me and how to make your website more accessible here: https://lnkd.in/eEADvFA4 #Accessibility #Equality #Inclusion

The only thing that should be kept in the closet is clothes   As we celebrate 28th June is #InternationalPrideDay, we want to strengthen the essence of our culture with a promise: “At IKEA, we work so that there are no closets to come out of.”   Our vision for a better everyday life is rooted in equality. We’re happy to share that 95% of our team members feel IKEA champions diversity and inclusion. 90% feel they can be 100% themselves at IKEA. And we continue working to take these percentages even higher.   Our commitment goes beyond words. We’ve partnered with FELGTBI+ - Federación Estatal de Lesbianas, Gais, Trans, Bisexuales, Intersexuales y más and their program, Yes We Trans, developed a comprehensive LGTBIQ+ inclusion plan, and continue to educate our teams on embracing every individual’s uniqueness.   At #IKEA, we celebrate every person’s right to love, live, and work, free from closets. Because closets are for the things we cherish, not for hiding our true selves. #inclusion #pride

Why wait for March 8th? Shouldn't equality be a constant, rather than an annual event? I hold a belief that's as straightforward as it is profound: Equality is not merely an idea; it's a daily mission. It's about showing appreciation for my partner on a daily basis, not just on Valentine's Day. It's about fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity in our workplace every single day. Growing up, I imbibed the ethos that acceptance and respect for all are non-negotiable. Everyone deserves to be valued for who they are without the pressure to conform. The Cologne adage, "Jeder Jeck ist anders" (Every fool is different), beautifully captures this philosophy. It's a reminder that diversity is not just to be acknowledged but celebrated. So, while I appreciate the acknowledgment of International Women's Day, my fervent plea is for a world where every day embodies the spirit of equality. Let's focus not on extravagant displays of virtue but on genuine actions that stand as a testament to our commitment to equality. What are your thoughts? #equalityeveryday #inclusionmatters #championingdiversity

Embracing Diversity in Brand Representation. This helped brands connect authentically with the LGBTQ+ community. Tokenism is out – real stories are in. Learn how to move beyond tokenism with these insights: ☑ Discover impactful campaigns: 1. Nike's "Be True" – Celebrating LGBTQ+ athletes 2. Skittles' Pride packs – Colorless candies, colorful message 3. Absolut's "Kiss with Pride" – Highlighting historic moments 4. Levi's Pride Collection – Inclusivity in fashion 5. Starbucks' "What's Your Name?" – Supporting trans identities ☑ Understand key elements for authentic representation: 1. Genuine storytelling 2. Diverse casting 3. Inclusive language 4. Community involvement 5. Long-term commitment ☑ Leverage powerful strategies for inclusive marketing: 1. Collaborations with LGBTQ+ creators 2. Supporting LGBTQ+ causes 3. Transparent and honest messaging 4. Consistent representation across platforms ☑ Optimize your brand's approach to inclusion: 1. Internal education and training 2. Inclusive workplace policies 3. Celebrating LGBTQ+ events 4. Listening to LGBTQ+ voices 5. Continuous learning and improvement ☑ Take in top tips for authentic representation: 1. Avoid stereotypes 2. Show, don't tell 3. Engage with the community 4. Be mindful of intersectionality 5. Celebrate diversity year-round ☑ Ensure every campaign respects and uplifts LGBTQ+ experiences. Embrace a strategy that includes: 1. Thoughtful content creation 2. Meaningful partnerships 3. Transparent communication 4. Consistent support for LGBTQ+ rights Save and study this today, to start your journey towards authentic representation tomorrow.