Workplace Pride brings hope for a more inclusive Australia
On Saturday, thousands of revellers descended on Sydney's CBD for the largest Mardi Gras celebrations Australia has ever seen as part of WorldPride.
Crowds lined Sydney's Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade to celebrate Australia's brilliant and diverse LGBTQA+ community alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the first-ever sitting PM to march in the parade.
For the North Delivery Team’s (NDT) Community Engagement Business Partner and out gay woman, Mel Tadhunter, it displays our progress to a more inclusive Australia.
Mel with friends at Sydney WorldPride
"From our former PM Tony Abbott leading the ‘no’ campaign for marriage equality, to the current Prime Minister marching in the parade for the first time in history, it puts into context how far Australia has come even in just the last five years," Mel said.
When Mel took her first graduate job in 2008, LGBTQA+ inclusion was not a topic of discussion, and certainly not in the workplace.
"I remember hearing the odd gay joke in the office and cringing internally,” she said.
The culture at the time meant that, unlike her heterosexual counterparts who could comfortably display their sexual orientation at work, Mel had to think twice before engaging in water cooler conversations about her personal life.
"I remember being careful not to use she/her pronouns to colleagues when talking about people I was dating and how guilty I felt to lie by omission," she said.
Experiences such as this inspired Mel to establish herself as an advocate for workplace inclusion.
After experiencing a newfound happiness and confidence after coming out at work, she was determined to continue the progress toward welcoming and safe workplaces for all people.
Mel with her professor on her graduation day in 2008
“Being out at work is a very personal choice, and isn’t something everyone wants to do.”
“However, by creating inclusive workplace cultures that embrace and support LGBTQA+ people and communities, you’re giving people the choice to be out if they want to,” she said.
In 2017, Mel helped establish the Jacobs LGBTQA+ Employee Network, co-chairing the global initiatives for several years. She says the network, now with over 3000 members globally made a huge different to the lives of employees.
“Thanks to the work we did through the network, there are employees who can now connect with their rainbow children, and employees excelling in their careers because they feel safe enough to come out at work," she said.
After the success of the Pride Network at Jacobs, Mel was keen to continue the progress.
“The good thing about workplace inclusion is that it doesn't matter what your politics or religious beliefs are - it's about your behaviour, choosing to demonstrate respect, care and support regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, background or culture," she said.
Last Wednesday, Mel presented at All Hands, speaking on Sydney WorldPride, the importance of LGBTQA+ inclusion at work, and closing by launching the NDT Pride Network.
Mel presents on the importance of LGBTQA+ inclusivity
“Yes, it's always a little nerve-wracking to stand up in front of the whole organisation and out myself as a gay woman, but getting people to reflect on their own lived experiences or ally-ship makes those moments of vulnerability worthwhile,” she said.
The NDT Pride Network is an employee-led network of LGBTQA+ people and their allies that aims to foster a Culture of Care where all people feel included, safe, proud, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
The network is open to everyone who supports LGBTQA+ inclusion, regardless of their sexual orientation, sex characteristics or gender identity.
"I already know it's safe to bring my whole self to work, and even more than that, it's celebrated.”
"I want every current and future LGBTQA+ employee to know that too, and I know our NDT Pride Network and the work we do through it will be will be integral to that," she said.
Employees interested in joining the NDT Pride Network are invited to express their interest here.
If you’re not part of the North but want to do your bit to support and embrace the LGBTQA+ community, Mel has shared some simple actions you can take below:
Advocate for inclusion, equality and respect for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender
Understand the challenges those in the LGBTQA+ community face, call out discrimination and amplify the voices of marginalised people
Learn about and understand LGBTQA+ terminology, pronouns and why they are important
Being willing to confront and regularly check in on your assumptions, prejudices, and biases
Get involved in a Pride Network, attend LGBTQA+ events, and support businesses, charities or other initiatives owned or operated by rainbow people
At meetings and events, set an inclusive tone – share a Culture of Care moments relating to LGBTQA+ people or topics
Be visible as an ally using Pride-friendly resources like rainbow email signatures, lanyards, and social media frames