Celebrating Pride 2024

This year’s Pride theme, “We Are Everywhere,” is a great reminder of the presence and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. At H&P, we are proud to celebrate our LGBTQ+ colleagues and clients. While we acknowledge the progress made, we recognize there is still much work to be done. To support further progress and learning, we’ve outlined some key resources and practices to help organizations create more inclusive environments.

The history of Pride is marked by significant milestones. 2022 celebrated 50 years since the first Pride march, and 2023 marked 20 years since the abolition of Section 28, a law that prohibited the promotion of homosexuality in the UK.

Here are some strategies to promote inclusivity within your own organisation -

According to a 2020 McKinsey report, listening and learning about employees’ lived experiences is crucial for business leaders aiming to create fairer workplaces. These voices are essential in conversations about ending all forms of discrimination.

LGBTQ+ employees often navigate microaggressions in the workplace. "Microsupport," such as including pronouns on name tags at events, signals support and can help reduce microaggressions. Companies like Linklaters have initiated reverse mentorship programs to deepen senior leaders' understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. Displaying visible symbols of support and encouraging employees to do the same inspires confidence in your commitment.

Education is crucial for ensuring that LGBTQ+ commitments are lived throughout the organization. Employee training, including during onboarding, can reduce microaggressions, root out unconscious bias, and address inappropriate behavior immediately.

Building an inclusive organization starts with recruiting and hiring a diverse set of employees. Blind resume screening can help reduce unconscious bias. Rigorous management of the talent pipeline involves tracking representation at every level and tailoring interventions accordingly.

By embracing these practices and more, we can make significant strides toward creating more inclusive and supportive workplaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. This Pride, let’s celebrate the progress made and commit to the ongoing journey of inclusion and equality.

Resources and learning –

• East London Out Project (ELOP): a local charity offering a range of support services to LGBTQ+ communities.

• Galop: an LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity, providing support services relating to hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

• Switchboard: LGBT+ helpline: providing information, support and referral service for LGBTQ+ and their friends, parents or family.

• Stop Hate UK: provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.