Pride in London today announced it is launching a new initiative in partnership with OUTstanding aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in business.
Covering a wide range of LGBT+ themes, Pride in the City will bring together organisations from a variety of industries and sectors, in support of LGBT+ inclusion.
A recent study showed that Corporates with inclusive cultures are 11.6 per cent more profitable than those with nominal LGBT+ policies. Through the power of partnerships, Pride in London is engaging the business community as one of several ways of supporting LGBT+ Londoners year-round.
Mayor of London backs project
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, says, ‘London is home to one of the largest, most visible and diverse LGBT+ communities in the world, one that contributes a huge amount to our city’s success – socially, culturally and economically. The capital should be a place where LGBT+ people feel truly valued, healthy, happy and safe.
‘Businesses in London play a vital role in helping us achieve that goal for their employees and colleagues, but also for clients and customers, ensuring that people can be their best self at work.’
Khan adds, ‘I welcome Pride in London’s plans to further promote diversity and inclusion within the workplace and I urge organisations around the capital to throw their support behind this important initiative.’
Belton Flournoy, senior partnership manager Pride in London, comments, ‘Pride in London is proud to support the promotion of diversity and inclusion in business.
‘We know from our Corporate Partners and Supporters the value of being your true and authentic self in the workplace is incredibly important. Not only does it lead to more genuine working relations but it unlocks talent and drives a more productive, happy workforce.’
Flournoy adds, ‘By taking part in Pride in the City, organisations can visibly demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion, both internally and externally and also help support the UK’s biggest LGBT+ platform and event.
‘We are looking for up to fifteen organisations to take part in this exclusive initiative, hosting events in the run up to Parade Day, between March and June 2017.’
Suki Sandhu, founder and CEO OUTstanding, remarks, ‘OUTstanding is delighted to be partnering with Pride in London to promote diversity in business. We know that harnessing talent and allowing people to be themselves at work is hugely powerful for our companies, our economy, our society and more importantly, for the individuals themselves.
‘But with 41 per cent of employees not feeling comfortable in coming out at work there is still a long way to go for LGBT+ diversity in business.’
Organisers of Pride in the City are looking to select up to fifteen partner organisations to host events based on a set of LGBT+ related themes. With a range of packages available, Pride in the City partners will be allocated an OUTstanding speaker from the annual list of leading LGBT+ and ally role models as well as promotion through Pride in London digital channels.
All proceeds raised will go to support Pride in London taking place 24 June – 9 July with the Parade on Saturday 8 July.
Further reading on diversity
