June is Pride month where people all over the world come together to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. During this month, we celebrate just how far the fight for gay rights has come, even though the fight is still not over. During this month, organisations all over the world also play their part by acknowledging their support towards the LGBTQ+ community and have taken steps to ensure that they host an inclusive workplace for all employees regardless of race, gender, or sexuality.

What does LGBTQ+ stand for? LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (sometimes questioning) and others. The plus represents other sexual identities such as pansexual that aren’t specifically covered by the other initials in the acronym.

What can your business do to help reduce workplace discrimination and help support employees who identify as LGBTQ?

Take workplace discrimination very seriously. This first step your company takes sends out a clear message to everyone: that discrimination is not welcome within the workplace and will not be tolerated. Take the time to ensure that every employee at all levels knows exactly what is and isn’t tolerated. Educate your employees through diversity training about any inclusion policies your organisation has. If discrimination or bullying does happen, then action should immediately be taken to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Your role as an individual employee is just as important here, don’t simply sit back and wait for the company to act. If you see something, report it.

Support your local LGBTQ community. It’s very easy during June to change the company logo to reflect your support, but what are you actually doing? Try and go that extra step by providing information not only to employees but posting online as well local groups and events that your company supports. Another step to take is to invite speakers in who can share their experiences. Use your company’s platform as a way of sharing the experiences of individuals and get that conversation started.

Support your transgender employees and those who are non-binary. Transgender visibility has increased in the last decade, and although the unique set of challenges and experiences that they face are starting to become clear, there is still a long way to go. If one of your employees or co-workers comes out as transgender, you can support them by taking the time to learn about the steps they are taking and help to create a supportive environment for them to work in. Take the time to review whether the current policies at your company include some form of transgender inclusive policy and, if one is in place, if any changes need to be made to make it up to date. This should set out guidance that all employees can refer to that includes elements such as bathroom access that allow employees to use the bathroom of the gender they align with. Any allegation of harassment or bullying towards a transgender employee that relates to the fact that they are transgender should be taken seriously and disciplinary steps should be immediately taken.

Make an effort to properly get to know employees preferred pronouns. A lot of companies have taken steps to allow employees to state their preferred pronouns in emails, whether that be she/her, he/him, they/them, or another form. Taking this small step in ensuring that each individual feels included, respected and acknowledged. Never assume a person’s pronouns, respect each individual’s identity by asking how they would like to be referred to as, whether that is their preferred pronouns or name. It’s a small step that can really help create a safe work environment.

We should all strive to achieve a world where all LGTBQ+ people can be themselves without fear of discrimination. If everyone takes steps to ensure that all workplaces are an inclusive environment where every employee regardless of their sexuality, gender, or race are respected and represented. This can also bring benefits to the company as a whole, as when employees feel free to be themselves then the standard of work will also improve.

For more information and ways you can support your local LGBTQ+ community, we recommend visiting Stonewall.org, a fantastic website that provides information on how to get involved with your local community, as well as help and resources.

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