Celebrating Pride 2021

  In June 1969, the ‘Stonewall Riots’ happened, sparked by the treatment of LGBTQ patrons of The Stonewall Inn, Greenwich Village by the NYPD. Events acted as a catalyst for change in the way gay people were treated.  More than 50 years later, Pride celebrates diversity and inclusion, and nurtures tolerance, equality and love. It is something we can all celebrate, while remembering how damaging homophobia – and bigotry, remains.  

Accepting difference

Today, society has a deeper understanding of the non-binary nature of sexuality. Allied to this, many organisations better understand the benefits of accepting difference and of nurturing individuals. They recognise and are proud of the achievements and contributions of all staff members – regardless. After all, diversity, inclusion and equality bring benefits for both employees and for businesses.  

Benefits of diversity

Encouraging workplace diversity supports wider perspectives, deep creativity and greater innovation. Diversity encourages more rounded decision making, superior employee engagement and helps reduce employee churn. These benefit not just the individuals, but the teams they make up and the reputation of the organisations who employ them.  

Celebrating Pride this June

As we celebrate Pride, we encourage Pride values in our workplaces. We do this by celebrating diversity, making equality a foundation of good governance, and ensuring that inclusion is non-negotiable. Discrimination exists in the workplace as do bullying and harassment. It remains too easy to marginalise those who are ‘different’. When companies nurture the whole person, they challenge outdated stereotypes and become the catalyst for positive change.   Pride 2021 is a roar of support to the LGBTQ community and of death to bigotry of all kinds. After all, who are this community? They are our sisters and brothers. Our work mates. Our colleagues.   Dr Paul Gadie has a PhD in Theology. As well as being Managing Director of Gift Innovations, he writes about effective leadership and management in contemporary ecclesial life.