June is the month of rainbows, but how can organisations extend the progressive support for the LGBTQIA+ community?

June is Pride month. It is a time for celebration and an opportunity to decorate everything with rainbows and glitter, but also for commemoration and reflection.

Pride is now an integral part of our culture, giving space and voice to those who have not had access to either in the past – and, in some places, still do not.

In recent years, many corporations have wanted to visibly demonstrate their support for the LGBTQIA+¹ community. For the month of June, rainbows will deck corporate logos, slogans and social media feeds. Webinars and events will showcase members from the LGBTQIA+ community, discussing important issues around celebration and acceptance.

These actions are positive and progressive, but what can organisations do to prolong this momentum?

Support local communities and charities

Hold events at LGBTQIA+-owned establishments

For your next corporate event or staff party, why not actively seek out local LGBTQIA+ businesses that can host it? For example, rainbowmile.ie has a great list on its website of LGBTQIA+ businesses and venues in Dublin.

Use LGBTQIA+ suppliers

Seek out LGBTQIA+ suppliers and businesses where you can. For example, if you are thinking of updating the office after the pandemic, why not contact an LGBTQIA+ designer or artist? You could also send corporate gifts to staff from an LGBTQIA+ company – check out Chupi's recommendations.

Make sure you have a robust diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) policy

Making your employees feel like they belong no matter who they are not only feeds into your organisation's ESG goals, but also increases the happiness and productivity of your staff. (For more information on this, listen to our podcast on the meaning of inclusion in the workplace.)

DE&I committees

If your organisation is large enough, consider adding a DE&I committee to advocate on behalf of LGBTQIA+ staff, customers or members. Even if your organisation is small, you can still designate a DE&I officer to oversee your DE&I activities.

Educational workshops

All of these acronyms can be overwhelming. Organise workshops or seminars to help educate your staff so they understand all the terms and why supporting LGBTQIA+ people is so important.

Go beyond Pride to stay ahead

Showing support for LGBTQIA+ throughout June and beyond is not only good for your company's ESG goals, but it is also beneficial for society. Furthermore, as Generation Z enters the workforce and jobs market, they will be paying close attention to the social activities of organisations – and judging them for it. Why risk being left behind in the cold when you can do good not only for your organisation, but for your staff and your local community?

If you're looking for more information about what your organisation can do beyond Pride, the Institute's BALANCE hub has a comprehensive resources page.

Sacha Brinkley is Publishing Executive at Chartered Accountants Ireland.