Why Is It Important To Celebrate Pride?
Culture
Last week, Hearst UK celebrated Pride. As an LGBTQIA+ ally
myself, I felt a responsibility on behalf of Hearst UK to make sure that our
company is strongly involved in all of the Pride-related celebrations and
activities. As a media brand, we talk a lot about identity, mental health and
sexuality in most of our publications. The reason for organising our Hearst UK
x Pride event in our office was to make a statement about our values and make
sure that we not just talk, but we also take action by giving a platform for
our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies to celebrate, network and connect.
Through make up, nail art and a live drag show - we
celebrated Pride in a proud and loud way! We did it by giving our business an
exposure to the LGBTQIA+ culture by encouraging people in the business to
visually (and publicly) show their commitment to Pride and allyship with the
rainbow.
For those, who wonder why is it important to celebrate Pride
and why should it become a corporate event – I have to bring a few personal
stories of mine. Last year, on a date night – I was holding another guy’s hand
while both of us were physically attacked from the back for doing that. Two
weeks ago, right before the Pride celebrations, I was walking down the Sloane
Street, talking with a friend of mine about the latest Louis Vuitton collection
that we saw through the window. Two guys approached and bullied us while making
fun of our conversation because us, two guys, talking about fashion was too
much for them to handle. We were not kissing on the street. We were not holding
each other’s hand. We were just talking about fashion! That’s why I always
remind people that being LGBTQIA+ is not just about sexuality! It is also about
your identity! And this type of discrimination happens until today. Even in a
city like London! Even in 2022!
In these situations, I am always reminded that while
progress has undoubtedly been made, there’s still a long way to go for LGBTQIA+
people to have true equality and to feel truly safe while walking down the
street. A lot of our families still do not accept us for who we are. Some of us
even had to leave our own countries and leave everything behind, because even
in the 21st century – there are still countries where it is illegal to be gay.
There are so many of us that have to lie to our parents or work colleagues by
introducing our partners as our “best friends”.
That is why it is important for big companies and
corporations like Hearst UK to take the initiative to make their LGBTQIA+ staff
welcome and loved. Because while most of us cannot feel fully loved or accepted
in our own families or while walking down the street, at least we can feel
safe, protected and not judged at our work. That’s why Pride is important! That
is why you, just like me and everyone else, belong at Hearst UK!
Bernard Garby (Hearst UK)
