Why does Pride matter to us at Spring GDS?
Our LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies share why inclusion is important inside and outside the workplace
Why does it matter to feel like you can be yourself at work?
How can we build more inclusivity inside and around our organisation? As Pride month is celebrated across the world, we asked Spring GDS colleagues to tell us why LGBTQ+ inclusion matters to them.
'I feel comfortable being myself at Spring GDS, and I think a big part of that is that I have never felt ashamed of who I am. As a lesbian woman, I naturally identify with the LGBTQ+ community, but like anyone joining a new workplace, there is always a little uncertainty at first. You don't necessarily share much about your personal life right away. Over time, though, I felt increasingly comfortable opening up about my relationship and my engagement, and it has always been met with kindness and normality. That has made me feel accepted and able to be myself at work.
In general, I'm not someone who usually attends Pride marches or events, but I think we are living in challenging times, and that makes Pride feel especially important this year. Having a voice matters. The LGBTQ+ community has historically been marginalized, and I strongly believe that nobody should ever be judged for who they are or who they love. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and happy with their life. For that reason, I think I will try to make my voice heard this year and take part in Pride in some way.'
Anielska, Spain
'As someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, I feel very comfortable being open about my personal life at work. I’m married to a man and live in Cologne, so I’m used to a very open and inclusive environment – and I’m happy to say that I experience the same kind of acceptance and respect at Spring GDS. It makes a real difference to be able to just be yourself without having to think twice.'
David, Germany
'People around me are accepting and not making a big fuss of me being gay and living with my boyfriend. Coming out was quite a challenge, also at work. But that is a long time ago now. At Spring GDS we value people, appreciate our differences, and relationships are based on mutual respect for the person and the role they embody. I am a known and respected gay colleague in PostNL, promoting an inclusive culture. I am chairing the PostNL Pride network, to make it easy for colleagues to be themselves.
It is important that there are some moments in the year to pay attention to LGBTQIA+ topics, Pride Month is one of them. At the PostNL head office we raise the Pride flag during this month. PostNL Pride is raising awareness and is organising activities for its members. Our main event is the Canal Parade in Amsterdam during World Pride on the 1st of August this year. It would be great to have a Spring Pride network kicking off somewhere this year, to ensure that we have a strong, supportive and inclusive culture everywhere where Spring GDS is active.'
Jeroen, The Netherlands
'I am part of the LGBTQ+ community, as I identify as a trans man. Although I haven't openly come out within the company, mainly because I haven't really known how to approach it, some colleagues are aware. Overall, I would describe the atmosphere as relaxed and accepting. It's an environment where people can talk about these topics comfortably and without fear of being judged.
In general, what I have observed within the company is that these matters are approached naturally and without making a big deal out of them. That helps a lot in normalising different situations and avoiding awkwardness. I think it's important to have that sense of normality and to be able to feel comfortable within a community environment.
Pride Month is important to me because, although in Spain we are fortunate that LGBTQ+ issues are generally well understood and accepted, there are still many countries where people have to keep fighting for the rights of the community. Raising awareness and educating people remains essential, as in some parts of the world being LGBTQ+ is still wrongly viewed as something abnormal or even as an illness.
That is why I believe visibility and education are so important. Pride is not only a celebration, but also an opportunity to continue promoting understanding, acceptance, and equal rights for everyone.'
Myka, Spain
'As an ally, I believe everyone should feel safe, respected, and valued at work, regardless of who they are or who they love. Including and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community is important because it helps create a culture where people do not feel they have to hide parts of themselves, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to feel they belong.
Pride month is important because it is both a celebration and a reminder of the progress that has been made, as well as the work that still needs to continue around equality, respect, and inclusion. I may be attending marches or events this year if they are in my area and friends would like us to join! I support the message of Pride and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ colleagues, friends, family members, and communities.'
Kevin, Germany
'Pride Month is important to me because I care deeply about inclusion and about people being able to show up as themselves without fear or judgment. I think everyone deserves that sense of safety and acceptance, not just in June but every day.
For me it is not about a campaign or a moment in time, but about a value I try to live by. I believe environments are better, stronger, and more human when people don’t have to hide parts of who they are. Pride month is a reminder and a celebration of that idea, and it also highlights how far we still have to go in making that a reality for everyone.'
Eva, The Netherlands
'Pride month is important because it is about human rights. Everyone has the right to feel comfortable and safe being themselves. It is also a time to celebrate love in all its forms, cultures and expressions. Diversity makes us unique and helps us learn to be more open and kinder. For me, it means a lot to know that Spring GDS promotes a safe place where everyone can be themselves openly.
This year, I will attend Pride marches and some queer festivals with my friends and my partner. I am going not only to support the LGBTQ+ community, but also to celebrate inclusivity and love. I support Pride because I believe in it’s values – acceptance and equality. I hope that in the future we can live in a society that celebrates these values.'
Helena, Portugal
'As a queer woman, I’ve never felt any awkwardness about this part of my life at work, and I feel very supported by the genuine commitment to creating an inclusive, positive environment for everyone at Spring GDS. Celebrating our differences as a rich mix of qualities and life experiences that everyone has to offer, continuously learning from each other, and working with colleagues from all walks of life makes for a much more fun and enriching experience!
This year I’ll be attending Trans Pride marches and focussing on where I can advocate for and support this part of the LGBTQ+ community. We’ve made enormous advances in LGBTQ+ rights across the UK and Europe, but in the UK my trans and non-binary friends are currently being hit the hardest by attacks on their rights, healthcare, safety, and dignity. It’s our collective responsibility to support those in our community who are the most vulnerable, as well as celebrating the positives and how far we’ve come.'
Siân, UK
