Pride Month at Perago: celebrating solidarity, support, and freedom from bias

At Perago, we take pride (pun intended!) in creating a work environment where people feel safe and comfortable every day. This June, we’re joining the global chorus in celebrating Pride Month, not just because we think it’s the right thing to do but because it aligns perfectly with our core values: put others first, be part of a team and speak openly, which can translate to show solidarity, support, and a commitment to a workplace free from bias. 

It can be easy to think that LGBTQIA+ equality is a settled issue. However, the reality is far more complex, and the history of positive progress towards inclusion is still relatively recent. Discrimination and prejudice against LGBTQIA+ people are prevalent around the world. In the UK, we’ve seen a rise in homophobic and transphobic hate crimes.  

Celebrating Pride has always been about more than rainbows and glitter, although that is undoubtedly a fun by-product of the celebrations. In my view, celebrating Pride means taking a stand against discrimination and committing to creating a space where everyone feels valued and respected, whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity. At Perago, we’re consciously creating an environment where colleagues feel safe bringing their true, authentic selves to work daily.  

Here’s how our values come into play for Pride Month: 

• Solidarity: We believe in standing together and uniting to support LGBTQIA+ colleagues, friends, and communities. Pride Month allows us to show our solidarity, not just through words but through actions.  
• Support: We understand that LGBTQIA+ colleagues might face unique challenges in the workplace. We offer a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable being open about their identity.  
• Lack of Bias: We strive to create a level playing field for everyone at Perago. We actively challenge unconscious bias in our recruitment practices, promotion processes, and everyday interactions.  

Celebrating Pride is more than just a party; it’s about recognising the current and future needs of the whole community. Living our values of solidarity, support, and a lack of bias can build a more inclusive workplace and help challenge stigma for marginalised groups. 

Here are some ways you can join us in celebrating Pride: 

• Educate yourself: Learn more about the history of the LGBTQI+ rights movement and the challenges that LGBTQI+ people still face in the workplace today. There are many resources available online and in libraries.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/lgbtiq-people-statistics 

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220603-the-big-lgbtq-wage-gap-problem 

https://www.bitc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bitc-wellbeing-report-workingwithpride-feb2019.pdf  

• Be an ally: There are many ways to be a good ally in the workplace and this list of ‘microaffirmations’ gives a few ideas to try. From affirming someone’s identity to creating a feeling of belonging, microaffirmations can help mitigate and disrupt the harmful effects of historical oppression, systemic inequity, cultural marginalisation and personal biases.  

Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe to be themselves at work and in life. Happy Pride Month!