Topher Bryant

Production editor, Risk - UK

For me, Pride is a great time to ensure that LGBTQ+ identities are at the forefront. That visibility carries through the rest of the year, because it's empowering for now and for the future. It also enables people to accept themselves for who they are and to have that acceptance supported by our workplace culture.

When I start a new job I am always determined to come out as soon as possible so that, for others, it is part of my identity right from the start. I did just that when I joined in July 2017. I am able and, indeed, encouraged to contribute to our explorations of diversity, equity and inclusion. My experience is clearly valued. I feel like I belong and that I am lucky to work in such a wonderful team.

I gave a talk to the Proud ERG about a discovery I made about my great uncle's identity last year. After my grandmother died I found a series of photos that told the story of his life with a man with whom he was clearly in love. I know that something did not work out and that he died a lonely man. Telling that story and feeling the love and support of the group as we talked about it was an incredible experience and I think telling such stories can strengthen us and generate a deep and genuine empathy.

James Berry

Senior Technical Writer, Risk - US

Pride Month allows people from marginalized groups to shine and display true love to others in the community and our allies. I am glad to work for a company that supports us and allows us to be involved in the decisions that impact us. Every day, month, and year, the struggle for equality continues, but I believe that one day people will truly see us for who we are: kind, loving human beings.

As co-chair of the Proud ERG, I feel empowered to provide communication to our colleagues and to encourage others to get involved. This role has allowed me to be a change agent and to speak on behalf of our company, showcasing the support we receive both within and outside the organization. Our senior leadership team is actively involved on the front lines to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Their visible commitment and proactive engagement make a significant difference in creating an inclusive environment for all.

Divya Kaliyaperumal

Project/Program Manager Level 4 - One Health, STM - India

In India, Pride month is celebrated in various cities, aligning with the Stonewall riots. The celebration of Pride month across India serves two purposes - recognizing the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and protesting against the ongoing discrimination and challenges faced by the community. From fighting against Section 377 to advocating for marriage recognition and creating inclusive workplaces and public spaces, there is still much progress to be made.

As an ally at Elsevier India, I take great pride in the establishment of the Pride Chennai Chapter, the first PRIDE Employee Resource Group (ERG) in India. I would like to express my gratitude towards my colleagues for their invaluable contributions. The India Inclusion & Diversity team has now formed the PRIDE India team and are working in multiple locations like Chennai, Bangalore, etc. to bring all people together and build a truly inclusive and safe space for all employees. Workplace Pride recently announced the ‘Declaration of India’ to ensure progress is made on LGBTIQ+ inclusion in workplaces across India and Elsevier Pride has signed the declaration. We are looking forward to an exciting year in India.

Tiffany Lloyd

Product Manager II, Legal - US

Pride Month not only represents the ability to openly express my non-Western traditional non-binary gender with some legal protection, but also provides representation for Indigenous people who discover they are outside the gender binary. Having legal protections to share what is and was part of my Indigenous culture with the world is very important, as discrimination and marginalization based on gender is still very prevalent globally.

Showing up authentically in the workplace allows LGBTQ+ employees to focus on work instead of devoting exhausting levels of mental and emotional energy on hiding details about who we are. As we create products that humanity uses to seek justice in their corner of the world, our products and their creation should reflect the diversity of the customers we serve. Representation really helps combat unconscious bias in the workplace, and that effect ripples into society.

Simone Munao

Sr. Product Manager, Risk and Compliance, Risk - US

As a gay man and a Product Manager at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Pride Month holds profound personal significance for me. It's a time to celebrate the progress we've made in LGBTQ+ rights while acknowledging the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by our community. Within our workplace culture, Pride Month serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equality, fostering an environment where all employees feel respected, supported, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

I feel empowered by the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion. One example of this empowerment is the establishment of LGBTQ+ employee resource groups and allyship programs, which provide a platform for networking, support, and advocacy. Personally, I've seen how these initiatives have positively impacted colleagues by creating a sense of belonging, fostering open dialogue, and driving tangible progress in workplace policies and culture toward greater acceptance and equality.

Kelly Keegan

Training Specialist, Risk - UK

The fight for equality is ongoing, celebrating our diverse identities and histories is only a part of the picture. In our workplace, Pride Month fosters an inclusive culture, encouraging everyone to bring their authentic selves to work, which strengthens our team and drives innovation alongside acceptance. I feel psychologically safe to admit I am bisexual and that I'm neurodivergent. I have mentoring and believe I will get ahead in the company, as I don't leave parts of myself at the door to fit in.

As the D&I Champion for the Cardiff Office, I ran an in-person event about LGBTQ+ identities and allyship last year, and not only was it well attended and received, but my panel of speakers from within the business were exemplary. Each speaker was candid and we had a lot of thoughtful questions that drove a progressive conversation about what inclusion means and how there isn't a one size fits all approach, it's a constant negotiation.