LiveWest’s SAGE, Sexuality and Gender Equality group, work to improve colleague understanding and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. They are key for the business in helping to promote and maintain equality, diversity, and inclusion, particularly around sexuality and gender.
The group is planning to take part in the Weston-super-Mare #Proudtobe Parade later this year which is celebrating people showing what they’re proud to be.
Our colleague Lauren Stevens, who is a member of the SAGE group, is sharing her experiences of being in the LGBTQ+ community and how she is #Proudtobe part of Pride festivals because of the positive impact they have had.
She is encouraging equality and inclusion and for everyone to enjoy the positivity that Pride Month brings to a range of communities. But highlighting it’s also important and a great opportunity to bring awareness to the areas that need to be improved to make society a more accepting and inclusive place for everyone.
Lauren’s Pride experience
“Since my teens, Pride festivals have been a big part of my life. Pride for me is a way to celebrate successes in LGBTQ+ inclusion, but it is also a time for reflection and to raise awareness about the struggles that members of the LGBTQ+ community face.
“I used to live in Brighton, which is a place where people can freely connect with one another and celebrate their identities. The city would come alive with the colourful parade, live music, and various activities during Pride Month every year.
“I came from a town in Kent where I was just one of two LGBTQ+ people in my friendship group growing up and had limited experiences of feeling proud of my identity. It’s a time to come together with friends and celebrate diversity and equality, the experience is one of joy, acceptance, and love. This sense of pride is not just limited to the LGBTQ+ community but also extends to allies who support the cause.
“Now, I live in Cornwall, and I have used my experiences of Pride to feel confident expressing my authentic self in a place that can be a little behind the times.
“I am proud that same sex marriage is now legal in the UK. I married my wife in 2019 and we have the same legal recognition and protections as heterosexual couples. However, despite positive changes, there are still challenges that need to be addressed.
“Discrimination and hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals continue to occur, highlighting the need for ongoing education and awareness. I am also proud that if we were to become parents, we would have equal parental rights and we would be able to both be listed on the child's birth certificate.
“LiveWest supporting pride helps make EDI strategies become realities. LiveWest don’t just report on statistics captured on colleagues, but the company really works on providing a better environment.
“Attending Pride events enables LiveWest to make a mark on the wider community. Showing support and participation for the LGBTQ+ community at Pride helps build trust, strengthen relationships, and shows people externally that diversity is celebrated at LiveWest, and attracts talented members of the community to join the workforce.
“LiveWest also educates colleagues about the challenges LGBTQ+ people face and considers the potential barriers for LGBTQ+ colleagues to develop their careers.
“Training is offered and supported for personal development skills to use both inside and outside of work, and there are also spaces available for people outside of the community to ask anonymous questions and learn things about LGBTQ+ people that they perhaps would not otherwise be able to at work.
“I am looking forward to attending a webinar this month joined by Inclusive Employers to learn more about starting a family in the LGBTQ+ community.
“I feel able to have open conversations and to be proud of my authentic self in the workplace, I feel welcomed at work and have an improved morale, and I don’t feel like I need to live my work and home life separately in a conflicting way.
“This sends a message to colleagues of embraced inclusivity, celebrates our individuality, and encourages colleagues to be their true selves at work – which increases productivity and wellbeing.”