JTI Launches First LGBTQ+ PRIDE Summit

JTI (Japan Tobacco International) have launched their first LGBTIQ+ PRIDE | Summit. Following on from the creation of their LGBTIQ+ Employee Resource Group PRIDE in 2020, JTI is taking further steps to maintain active diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) standards for their 46,000 employees worldwide.

PRIDE’s main goal became fostering a global reach, increasing their footprint and engaging employees from around the world. This resulted in their global chapter blueprint, which became the framework for JTI companies across various countries. Since 2020, PRIDE has grown into an ever-expanding network, with 9 chapters across 4 regions, constantly seeking to improve conditions for LGBTIQ+ staff across the globe.

Image Credit: Lindsay Coulter

In an effort to continue increasing the impact of DEI standards, JTI has hosted their first regional PRIDE Summit with the goal to #ConnectWithPride. This event assembled queer change agents from their Americas region and inspire stronger LGBTIQ+ diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Partnering with members of their sales force, factories and other Employee Resource Groups at JTI, their PRIDE Summit promoted an intersectional and progressive approach to DEI.
 

Jennifer Polzin and Edgar Martinez, Global PRIDE Co-Chairs at JTI, spoke about the reasons behind this initiative and why it’s more important than ever to #ConnectWithPRIDE: "In a reopening world after some tough pandemic years we identified #ConnectWithPRIDE as our 2023 theme at JTI,” said Jennifer. “We want to create meaningful encounters and build strong personal, professional and cross-regional connections. With this 3-day in-person gathering we fostered a more unified and more sustainable global network, one that will help to solidify JTI’s position as an industry leader in LGBTIQ+ inclusion.”

“I was especially excited to hold our first ever PRIDE | Summit within my home region, the Americas. This event was an amazing opportunity to bring together key LGBTIQ+ change agents and allies to build a stronger support system across the PRIDE chapters and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committees and give LGBTIQ+ inclusion ambassadors the confidence and tools they need to keep paving the way for LGBTIQ+ inclusion on a local level.” Edgar adds.

With COVID restrictions at their lowest since the inception of the PRIDE network in 2020, JTI has described this as the perfect opportunity to connect and unite LGBTIQ+ staff members in person. LGBTIQ+-centred presentations, networking and workshops were just a few of the opportunities available at JTI’s very first PRIDE | Summit.

Connect with JTI and read more about their LGBTIQ+ network PRIDE here.