Why it's crucial to speak out and show support for the LGBTQIA+ community

Why it's crucial to speak out and show support for the LGBTQ+ community

Having been the victim of discrimination in a previous workplace, I know first-hand the importance of speaking out and showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.

My Hays Story began when I moved to the UK with my husband in October 2021. I began my career as a Recruitment Consultant at Hays a few days after arriving in London, before being promoted to a Senior Consultant at the end of last year.
 

The LGBTQ+ community are celebrated at Hays

I’ve found my colleagues at Hays to be open to listening, developing and learning about things regarding the LGBTQ+ community. I particularly appreciate the fact diversity and cultural differences aren’t only celebrated during Pride Month, but throughout the whole year. We have pride flags up in the office year-round and there’s a large Pride network.
 

The UK and Sweden have been inclusive 

Having lived in the US, Sweden and the UK, I’ve experienced many different levels of the spectrum in terms of attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. I’ve had a wholly positive experience in the UK, having never had any issues, not once felt unsafe, and haven’t felt uneasy about mentioning my identity to anyone. My experience in Sweden was also an encouraging one, and I feel it’s more progressive in Sweden than it is here. It’s long been a diverse and inclusive place to live, with a significant LGBTQ+ community.
 

I feel the US is sadly moving backwards

I found living and working in the US to be a very different experience. The vital progress that was made is sadly now being reversed. Florida, for example, has approved a bill that prohibits conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity, and this ban has recently been expanded to include all grade levels at school. Over 2,500 books were removed from American schools between July 2021 - June 2022, shockingly 41% of which were because they included LGBTQ+ themes or characters. The US, particularly in the South, seems like they're reverting to the 1960s.

My professional experience in Atlanta was overshadowed by discrimination. Working at a Fortune 500 company, I was subject to discrimination by my colleagues, was at the end of racial slurs from customers and clients, and even received physical threats of violence. You’re supposed to feel safe in the workplace, but my colleagues and managers failed to stand up for me when I was discriminated against.
 

Stand up for what’s right

Although I’m in a much more inclusive environment now, I know from my own past experiences there are members of the LGBTQ+ community who are struggling in discriminatory workplace environments – feeling undervalued, uncomfortable, and unsafe. My advice to anyone in this position would be, most importantly, to speak out – even if you’re uncomfortable doing so. There are always people you can talk to and confide in. It's just about making that first step and finding that support network otherwise nothing is going to change.

As no one spoke out when I faced discrimination in some of my previous workplaces, I understand how important this support is. Managers should be leading from the front to stop this behaviour, but anyone can and should be stepping up if they hear or witness something that’s not right. This can, and will be, very impactful towards creating a safe space and environment at work.

Getting involved in your organisation’s Pride networks is also an excellent way to show support to the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride Network is open to everyone, not just members of the LGBTQ+ community, and is a safe space where everyone can freely be themselves. To my Hays colleagues, if you have questions about, or would like to join the Pride Network, just reach out to your Regional Pride Lead for more details!

If you’d be interested in working for an inclusive company like Hays, then take a look at our careers page.