At Gate One, we are committed to celebrating a diverse and inclusive culture. During our 2022 Pride celebrations, alongside a variety of social events, everyone in the team was encouraged to share what Pride meant to them to increase awareness and inclusion across the whole business.
We also benefit hugely from being part of the wider Havas Pride network, leveraging a wide range of resources across learning, events, and charity partnerships.
What does pride mean to me?
Georgina Pipe, manager at Gate One, said: “Pride is hugely important to me to improve the understanding of what it means to be part of the diverse and far-reaching LGBTQIA+ community, and in turn, protect the rights, happiness, and health and wellbeing of those associated. I also have a keen and personal interest in championing and dispelling myths around less understood queer identities such as intersex, and trans, where there is still a long way to go to achieve basic rights, accessibility to healthcare, and inclusion that can impact lives both within and outside the workplace.”
Rob Bradshaw, client director at Gate One, said: “Pride is absolutely about the rainbows and the fun stuff, but it’s also a time to learn and educate ourselves, even for those of us within the queer community. During Pride month, I reflect on the diversity in our community. Increasing awareness and hearing from lived-in experiences is incredibly important, and I am incredibly proud we’ve been able to open up these conversations at Gate One as we mark Pride month.“
Yasmin Sampson Da-Rocha, principal at Gate One, said: “Pride to me is not only about the acceptance and celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, but also about self-acceptance and self-celebration. Work was a massive part of making me feel safe and being able to be my authentic self, without any questions or judgement.”
Sonia Cochet, director of people and talent, said: “For me, being an ally means unconditional kindness with no judgement on another’s life experiences. It’s saying, ‘I know that I do not understand what it is like to have lived your story, but I am here to listen without judgement if you want to share it with me’.”
An ongoing commitment
We recognise that Pride is just one month of the year, and have an ongoing commitment to celebrate a diverse and inclusive culture. We will continue to support open conversations and recognise that there is always work to be done. We also benefit hugely from being part of the wider Havas Pride network, leveraging a wide range of resources across learning, events, and charity partnerships.
To create meaningful change for our clients, our people and our communities, we need diverse talent and diverse ways of working. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where we can do our best work.
