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Pride at Work Must be Judged on Actions not Words

By Denise Charlton Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland

The rallying call of the United Nations for the postCovid world is to ‘Build Back Better’ . It is a call which is to be welcomed in that it recognises that, before the pandemic, we were living and working in an imperfect world . While last year started with optimistic economic indicators, even under the shadow of Brexit, the reality is that for many it was a time of uncertainty . The gap between rich and poor was widening, minority communities felt increasingly isolated, discriminated against and threatened while the solidarity which binds us together was being undermined .

For the LGBTQ+ community, the discrimination was very real – and alarmingly beginning to come a lot closer to our shores . The divisive policies of Trump, Yeltsin and despots across the globe, which once seemed distant and far off, began to have a trickle-down effect . Those in Europe who sought to undermine our basic rights were emboldened and encouraged .

It was hard to believe that five years after Ireland was being lauded around the world as a beacon of hope by voting for marriage equality, Irish voters were in 2020 being condemned by political leaders in Poland as they created antiLGBTQ+ zones across their country .

The forces of the far-right were on the rise . Views, commentary and debates once thought unthinkable and unacceptable were unashamedly pushed back into the public domain by those who had an agenda of division, mistrust and hate . Minorities which often had to contend with being ignored or sidelined were openly targeted in a way not seen for decades .

It is true Ireland has escaped the worst of this and, thankfully, the marriage equality referendum has left us a legacy which continues to this day . That is not to say we have in any way reached the full equality we all desire . We see discrimination from some Irish users of social media, during some on-street demonstrations, and the youth organisation, BeLonG To, reported that for six-out-of-10 LGBTQ+ young people, ‘coming out’ is the biggest issue they face .

Being an Ally

With that backdrop the continued importance of Pride becomes clear . In everyday life we all need allies – no matter what our sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression . With the COVID-19 pandemic still impacting our lives we continue to need them now more than ever .

While Dublin, Cork and other cities may have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and Pride celebrations, there are also towns which do not . We need to be aware of that and look at ways to ensure people are not cut off or left behind .

There are very visible steps which can be taken, such as the proposals for rainbow zebra crossings, and the decision of Irish towns to use connections through twinning arrangements with Poland to reject their anti-LGBTQ+ policies and uphold the rights of the community .

Allies in the Workplace

During Cork Pride over the last October Bank Holiday weekend, one of the most interesting sessions focussed on Pride in the workplace . There are countless studies which show how much time each of us spend at work, whether physically or virtually . 40 hours a week, for 48 weeks a year during a working life of 37 years . That is 71,040 hours or 2,960 days or the equivalent of working 24 hours a day every day for more than eight years .

Online and in person we spend more time with colleagues than any loved one . This shows the importance colleagues, managers and all our working relationships play in our lives . It impacts on wellbeing, health and ultimately every other aspect of how we live . This is why it is so important that the environment and socialising – and yes, even the gossip – which goes on in and around work is welcoming, safe and inclusive .

A sense of community must be encouraged and nurtured. It must involve us all and cover all parts of our daily life, including our work life.

Each year as June approaches workplaces almost race each other to be the first to fly the rainbow colours . It’s hard to believe that only a few years ago such a public embrace of the community wouldn’t be possible . It is a positive development which should be widely and warmly welcomed . However, it should also be remembered that truly inclusive workplaces have Pride all year round .

Four years ago, an international study of 60 countries entitled LGBT Allies: The Power of Friends, found that 57 percent of employees would be too scared to speak up if they heard homophobic banter at work . This needs to be addressed in a number of ways .

Companies should not just meet the minimum legal requirements to prevent harassment or bullying, but introduce their own, with a fair, clear and transparent complaints procedure .

Leaders of companies should seek out opportunities to deliver speeches on inclusion in front of employees, at conferences or public events such as Summer Schools . Such endorsements are much more powerful that a workplace self-declaring itself as ‘gay friendly’ . Having a Diversity Officer in the team ensures opportunities and space for LGBTQ+ people and their allies to meet and show support for each other . An officer can also ensure that all language around company policies, contracts and documentation is inclusive .

A concrete and very tangible way to show support is to make a contribution towards the community . Whether a workplace wants to support frontline services, health and wellbeing provision, information or advocacy, there are many opportunities . A corporate donation, a legacy or a gift can be a way to send a message internally within an organisation that it is a place of welcome for all, and, if desired, externally, to show the wider public the values which a workplace unites behind and holds dear .

This would underscore a desire to go beyond flying the flag and speaking fine words, and to be seen as a workplace which fosters and promotes positive change .

The Community Foundation for Ireland

We at The Community Foundation for Ireland are entering our 21st year as the leading philanthropic organisation in the country, providing over €60m in grants . Charities, community and voluntary groups which receive grants share a vision of equality for all, in thriving communities .

From day one, the Foundation has been supportive of the LGBTQ+ community . Most recently, in Cork, we partnered with TENI and the Cork Counselling Centre last year to fund the production of an information guide for counsellors and psychotherapists to provide appropriate supports for trans people . It was a success and the result is a resource to combat transphobia, stigma and discrimination .

We are stepping up our efforts with a special LGBTQ+ Fund where donors can in a very tangible and real way become an ally . The Foundation looks forward to announcing full details at Pride At Work . These are they type of gatherings and events which keep hopes and spirits high, they also show the impact the partnerships, alliances and links which form through donations, gift giving and legacies, can have on communities and on lives .

Build Back Better

Momentous global events, in particular those marred by human tragedy, can lead to social change once thought unimaginable . 2020 will be etched on all our memories for many of the wrong reasons . The pandemic brought us tragedy, isolation and hardship . However, it also saw volunteers, communities and charities provide essential lifelines . For those of us at The Community Foundation for Ireland it allowed us to witness the very best in people . We are proud to have their back .

In 2021, we have an opportunity to harness that energy . A sense of community must be encouraged and nurtured . It must involve us all and cover all parts of our daily life, including our work life .

Together we must ensure that we emerge into a society where everyone is equal, everyone is included and everyone can go about their daily lives knowing they have colleagues, family and friends they can fall back and rely on .

Workplaces have a unique role in ensuring that happens .

While the UN may have a global view when it aspires to ‘Build Back Better’, the reality is, that can only be achieved one house at a time, one workplace at a time and then one community at a time .

As we begin a new year, one in which we are looking forward with hope, The Community Foundation for Ireland is ready to engage with, partner and support inclusive workplaces that want to play their part .

More information on our work is available at www.communityfoundation.ie