At Vanti, we pride ourselves on delivering a working environment and culture where people can bring their true selves to work every day regardless of race, gender or sexuality and without the fear of facing any type of discrimination.
We continuously look at new ways to support our team and ensure we provide a safe space which is free of hate and gives those who need it the support and encouragement they need when they are facing everyday struggles.
Part of our mission to help deliver this has been the creation of The Inclusion Network, an internal team of colleagues who hold our business accountable and are always thinking about new ways to make sure we are providing the best culture possible for Team Vanti.
So as we show our love for the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate Pride throughout June, we asked some of the members of The Inclusion Network what Pride meant to them.
Maddie Smith, Service Team Integrator
To me Pride symbolises a community. A community that embraces an open-arms, arm around the shoulder culture.
Pride celebrates everyone regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, race or gender identity. Collectively, we’re all working towards the same goal, making the world a more tolerant, loving and kind place where everyone can coexist in peace.
Pride inspires and encourages education, and there’s a huge focus on trying to leave the world a better place than we found it, for the younger members of our community. Members of the LGBTQ+ community understand that there are individuals in this world who don’t agree with, or understand our values, or who we love, or how we identify but we love an open, healthy conversation so we can enlighten people about the community we belong in.
The LGBTQ+ community are human beings, just like our allies, just like the bigots that we face and just like the intolerant people we meet.
So my favourite thing about Pride month isn’t the overuse of rainbow laces or the tokenism of changing your company logo to the Pride colours – it’s witnessing the continuous celebration of Pride and the LGBTQ+ community after the 30th of June.
Zane Mansha, Smart Building Expert
To me Pride means celebrating our differences and learning to support each other.
It’s about recognising the fact that underneath any perceived divisions, we have far more in common as humans than not. The pursuit of love and happiness are shared goals that everyone can empathise with.
As we’re all seeking those same destinations, Pride is about acknowledging that there are various paths everyone follows and a determination to create an environment where everyone can talk about their journey and its unique hurdles without fear of being judged or excluded for taking an alternative route.
Alisha Cohen, People Director
Pride symbolises the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, but it goes beyond that. It represents the spirit of inclusivity, reminding us to honour and celebrate all forms of love and identity, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Pride is about fostering a society where love knows no bounds, where kindness and understanding are the norm, and where equality reigns supreme.
Pride acts as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us that our collective strength lies in embracing our differences.