In 2024 Genuit, one of our Strategic Partners, came out as a PRIDE ally business after the positive response during their International Women’s Day activities. They share how and why they became a Pride ally business.
Following on from International Women’s Day in March, we wanted to continue inspiring inclusion across Genuit Group throughout Pride month. And part of inspiring an inclusive environment is making it a safe space for us to respectfully ask questions and learn from each other.
So, we created a channel for this, and we had 40 questions from colleagues – from pronouns, the flag, being an ally, to using the word queer. Questions were answered through an open and honest conversation with Jenny Dewsnap, Chair of Doncaster Pride. Our interview with Jenny will stay available beyond Pride month, via YouTube and Spotify for use internally and externally.
Why is awareness & education important? This is an example of the colleague feedback we’ve received “my daughter is gay and for the first time I feel less fearful for how society perceives her. As a parent I had a zillion questions but never asked. You did it for me. I have a massive smile on my face because not only can she take her own self wherever she goes, so can I. The stigma is not only carried by the individual”.
We also wanted to show that Genuit is an ally for the LGBTQ+ community, we had colleagues sharing their commitments on video; including to educate, to be allies, to learn, to promote inclusivity and have conversations.
We have also embraced the opportunity to be a sponsor of several Pride events, Caerphilly Pride and UK Pride event taking place in Doncaster. These events celebrate, and recognise the contributions shaped by the LGBTQ+ members in our society. Our colleagues had a fantastic time, and were proud to represent Genuit as a local company, but more importantly, as a diverse, and inclusive place to work.
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