Pride in Direct Line Group
This Pride month we caught up with some members of our LGBT+ Diversity Network Alliance to find out why Pride is still important and what it means to them.
We spoke to Peter, a Local HR Advisor in Leeds and Conor, a Fraud Investigator in Bromley, here's what they had to say.
What does Pride mean to you?
Peter - To me pride is a demonstration of how the LGBT+ community started and continues to be at the forefront of a social revolution. Pride festivals and activities show us all that no matter who you like or how you identify you have a voice and a place.
I went to London Pride last year as a spectator and saw the DLG Pride Float drive past. It sounds cheesy but it filled me with an amazing sense of pride in my company.
Conor - For me, Pride means feeling comfortable being who I am, wherever I go and whoever I’m with. It’s about being able to be who you are without fear of judgement or discrimination.
Why did you join the Diversity Network Alliance (DNA) at DLG?
Peter - I joined the DNA LGBT+ strand because I think it's important that as an LGBT+ community we stay connected whether that be through location or function. The DNA LGBT+ strand provides a voice for all of our LGBT+ colleagues whilst also providing a platform to connect as a community.
I think DNA is an excellent demonstration of the excellent commitment and passion that our people have towards important social issues. Just the presence of the DNA community can be a great support to people throughout the business who may not have the same level of openness or support in their personal lives. It really is inspirational to see how colleagues can join together to make a difference.
Conor - DNA is important at DLG as it makes it much more than just a ‘job.’ Feeling appreciated and building a community with our differences at the foundations means I feel supported and motivated by like-minded individuals. The DNA team raise awareness within the business of people who would otherwise be considered as minorities and it's great to be part of it.
3 words that sum up Pride?
Peter - Bridging the gap
Conor - Inclusion, Acceptance, Energy
What's your proudest moment at DLG?
Peter - Getting the role of Local HR Advisor. Since I started on the Graduate Programme I always wanted to work in HR in an Employee Relations setting so achieving this goal fills me with Pride!
Conor - Winning a Chief Executive Award for a group effort in bringing my department together and increasing engagement throughout the teams – achieving a 40% increase in engagement survey scores!
What's the best thing about working at DLG?
Peter - The ability to be yourself. I have always felt fully accepted and empowered to be fully open and honest about who I am. The people I work with respect me and the life I lead, I can be my whole self.
Conor - The culture and the people you meet and how happy they are to work here.
If you could sum up life at DLG in 3 words, what would they be?
Peter - Inspiring, Empowering, Inclusive
Conor - Diverse, Lively, Gratifying
If DLG is ‘Always evolving’, what would you say you are? Always ….
Peter - Always positive
Conor - Always proud