Ready to take the next step – with pride
February 2010 saw the official launch of Australia’s first and only employer support program for all aspects of LGBT inclusion – Pride in Diversity.
This January, Pride in Diversity ushers in it’s third operational year with much to be proud of.
The first couple of years are always critical for any new program, but during their first two years, Pride in Diversity has welcomed 37 large, and in most cases, international employers as members, launched Australia’s first national benchmark on LGBT workplace inclusion, held it’s first annual business luncheon and awards celebration, announced the first list of Top 10 employers, held it’s first Pride in Practice LGBT workplace conference, initiated member LGBT networking and professional development forums in New South Wales, Victoria, ACT, Western Australia and Queensland, produced three publications, a range of workplace inclusion merchandise, conducted numerous training courses, spoke at significant national conferences and overseas on LGBT workplace practices and provided Australia with its first national benchmark for strategy development based on local good practice.
Pride in Diversity also welcomed their Patron, the Hon. Michael Kirby and media partners the Star Observer and JOY 94.9.
Program director Dawn Hough said 2012 would see continued growth for Pride in Diversity and an increase to member benefits as it membership grows across the private, public and higher education sectors.
“Our work is critical … while there are many people who do feel comfortable being out at work, there are still a large population within our community who fear the consequences and therefore have to learn to be inauthentic, just to do their job,” Hough said.
“Pride in Diversity is about ensuring that our workplaces are safe, equitable and inclusive for all employees, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender. While there is a lot of good work being done, there is still so much more to do.
“If you work for an organisation who is not currently a member of Pride in Diversity, we encourage you to get in touch with us. It’s difficult to know the right person to reach and often, a name can make all the difference.
“Education makes so much difference and having someone to assist with alignment of internal policies, benefits, bullying/harrassment procedures, training, employee networks, professional networking can really impact workplace culture.”
INFO: For more information on Pride in Diversity, member benefits or to discuss possible contacts, call Dawn Hough on (02) 9206 2136.
