Celebrating Pride Month at Credera: Gather, Dream, Amplify

Throughout the month of June, we at Credera are thrilled to join the world in celebrating Pride Month 2023 with the theme "Gather, Dream, Amplify." This month is a time for us to come together, reflect on our history, and acknowledge the work that lies ahead.

The journey toward equality and acceptance for the LGBT+ community has been a remarkable one. Since the first pride march, individuals within the LGBT+ community have shown unwavering dedication in the fight for their rights. It is heartening to see that around the globe, countries have taken significant steps forward by legalising homosexuality, granting personal and political rights, and recognising equal partnerships. Previous milestones include the removal of homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973 and its subsequent removal from the International Classification of Diseases in 1990 testify to the progress we have achieved. 

This year, we celebrate a significant milestone—the 20th anniversary of repealing Section 28 - the UK law that aimed to suppress LGBTQ+ visibility. The community stood strong, resisting attempts to silence their voices, and propelled us forward on the path to equality. While challenges still persist, we stand united, pushing for progress and ensuring that we never forget why we cannot regress.

Pride Month 2023 has been an extraordinary time filled with exciting events that have connected our people across the globe. Here are some of the things that we got up to.

Pride Month celebrations

LGBT+ Committee

This year’s Pride Month saw the formation of our dedicated LGBT+ Committee in the UK. Our goal is to enhance education, provide support to our LGBT+ colleagues, and improve internal processes to better serve the needs of the LGBT+ community within Credera. This committee embodies our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and celebrated. Together, we will create a workplace where diversity thrives, and everyone can be their most authentic selves.

Trans Athletes in Sport with Emily Hamilton

Emily, the founder and chair of Quins Pride, the world's first and only LGBT+ supporter's association in world professional rugby, joined us to share her expertise and advocacy against the unjust banning of trans players in sports. She enlightened us about the lack of substantial evidence behind these bans, explored their origins, and offered insights on how we can collectively challenge them. Emily debunked misconceptions perpetuated by the media and shed light on the surge of attention this topic has received.

B Pagels-Minor

From Mississippi to Chicago and Silicon Valley, B. has built their career around building great products for amazing brands whilst also working to enrich the community around them. A prominent advocate for inclusivity, acceptance, and openness in the workplace, B Pagels-Minor offered invaluable insights into creating a more harmonious work environment. With a wealth of personal experiences and innovative ideas, B inspired us to foster inclusivity and emphasised the importance of diverse perspectives, recognising that they lead to greater creativity and productivity. B's powerful message highlights the need for organisations to create safe spaces that celebrate differences, challenge biases, and promote understanding.

Credera Pride takeover

Throughout June, our offices experienced a vibrant Pride takeover. Members of each office ventured out to an assortment of LGBT+-owned bars and shows, whilst others took part in a "That's Drag" Bingo event organised in our London office.

In US offices, our teams celebrated with their first ever Pride carnival. This included a Pride compliments wall, popcorn, and cotton candy machines, as well as a paper airplane contest.

Giving back

Over the course of the month, we hosted Teams challenges for our people to engage in the discussion and be entered into a raffle. We also solicited donations to LGBT+ charities and offered to match contributions with a donation to The Trevor Project.

Credera Book Club: The Little Book of Pride

Credera Book Club ran a Pride Month special, encouraging its members to read "The Little Book of Pride". This informative and accessible read delves into the history of the LGBT+ community before, during, and after the Stonewall riots. It has been a fascinating journey that has broadened our understanding and sparked meaningful conversations.

Film Club: Pride

We wrapped up Pride Month with a collaboration between the LGBT+ committee and Credera’s internal Film Club, "HOME Cinema." Our chosen film for the month,"Pride," celebrates the power of unity, resilience, and inclusivity. It was an evening filled with entertainment, empowerment, and companionship.

Beyond Pride Month

What's next for us? We have taken this month as an opportunity to challenge our biases, broaden our perspectives, and continue fostering growth and change. By embracing our differences, we let our guards down, smile a little more, and connect deeply with those around us. It is in these moments that true learning happens, leading us towards lasting change.

We are also excited to announce that the LGBT+ Committee has gained new executive sponsors within Credera, who will support us in achieving our goals for the year. Our commitment to supporting, educating, and improving will extend far beyond Pride Month, and we will continue to carry this spirit forward every day.

Moving forward, we will continue amplifying diverse voices, nurturing a culture of inclusivity, and championing the ongoing fight for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.

Happy Pride Month from all of us here at Credera!

Additional resources

Throughout Pride Month, we shared and discussed numerous enjoyable and educational resources. Here are just a few that you can explore at your leisure:

Podcasts:

• What the Trans?

• Queersplaining

Books:

• The Transgender Issue by Shon Faye

• All of the Above by Travis Alabanza

• Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon

Streaming:

• "When We Rise" (Disney+)

• "Disclosure" (Netflix)

Book Recommendation:

• "We Can Do Better Than This"