Pride season celebrates LGBT+ inclusion, diversity and equality regardless of colour, race, religion or ability. The word “pride” is meant to promote dignity, equality and self-belief. It’s the idea that the LGBT+ community can be proud of who they are and that they’re not less than anyone else because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Getting to a position where you’re ready to tell the world that you’re LGBT+ can be a difficult journey and many fear that they are going to be alone if they come out. Visible demonstrations that there are LGBT+ people out there who are happy and proud of who they are can be a huge support for anyone struggling to come to terms with their own sexuality.
British Land’s Pride Committee was established six years ago to support its LGBT+ colleagues, to raise awareness and to develop a hugely important ally programme. Recent research has shown that around 70% of graduates go back in the closet when they enter the workplace. Imagine for a moment how reassuring it would be for a young LGBT+ new starter to know that their manager and their teammates are allies and that they really could ‘bring their whole self’ to work!
Usually around this time of year, the BL Pride Alliance would be supporting its charity partners at the London Pride parade. However, 2020 will be the first year since 1972 that the UK-wide Pride events can’t go ahead. Instead, the Alliance are taking on a challenge to collectively walk, run and cycle a total of 1,972 Kilometres in July, to raise at least £1,972 for one of our chosen Pride charities, Just Like Us. A number of our assets are also highlighting Pride season and we’re delighted that the iconic rainbow-coloured roof lights have returned to Meadowhall again this year.
Pride is also a time when we remember the struggle for equality and that this has been hard fought. Many Pride events around the world take place in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots which happened in June 1969, when the police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York. This event was incredibly significant in the gay rights movement and galvanised political activism in the LGBT+ community.
The battle for full equality isn’t over and Pride is also a protest to call for further action on LGBT+ rights. We are so proud of the charities and organisations that we work with, including Just Like Us, Stonewall, the Albert Kennedy Trust and Freehold. They each help us to spread our influence in the most positive way.
By celebrating key moments in the Pride calendar, challenging policies, networking, hosting events, working with colleagues across all teams and supporting community led initiatives, British Land will continue to work hard to further liberate our LGBT+ friends and colleagues.
At British Land everyone is treated fairly and has equal opportunity to realises their full potential. All we ask is ‘bring your whole self’.