Event

ING’s Rainbow Lions Roar Loud: Celebrating 20 Years of LGBTIQ+ Empowerment and Progress!

16 November 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Event, Member, news, News

GALA, ING’s Pioneering LGBTIQ+ Employee Network, Marks Two Decades of Impactful Advocacy

November 16, Amsterdam: In a vibrant and heartwarming celebration, ING’s Rainbow Lions, formerly known as GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association), commemorated two decades of relentless dedication to LGBTIQ+ empowerment and workplace inclusion. The event united founders, including David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride, along with chairs and supporters from both the past and present. Together, they reflected on the remarkable journey of being ‘out’ in the workplace and envisioned the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Reflecting on Progress

The event was a poignant moment to reflect on the early challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals in the workplace and the incredible strides made over the past 20 years. The founders and chairs shared anecdotes of the network’s inception and the hurdles overcome to establish one of Europe’s first LGBTIQ+ employee networks. From those initial challenges to becoming an influential force advocating diversity, inclusion, and belonging, the Rainbow Lions have played a pivotal role in shaping a more tolerant and accepting work environment, both inside and outside of ING.

ING Group Executive Board’s Endorsement

Andrew Bester, Head of Wholesale Banking and sponsor and supporter from the ING Group Executive Board underscored the enduring significance of the LGBTIQ+ community within ING, emphasising its role as a vital and integral part of the organisation. He acknowledged the strides made and reaffirmed the commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Expanding Horizons

From its humble beginnings, the Rainbow Lions have expanded their influence across various ING countries, becoming a symbol of diversity and progress. The network’s commitment to fostering an environment where individuals can be their authentic selves has resonated, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the organisation.

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Looking Forward

As the Rainbow Lions celebrate two decades of progress, the event also served as a platform to discuss the future challenges that the LGBTIQ+ community still faces. Participants engaged in conversations about the ongoing work needed to address these challenges and continue the journey towards true equality.

Conclusion

The 20th-anniversary celebration of ING’s Rainbow Lions was a testament to the power of advocacy, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the LGBTQI+ community. Cheers resonated throughout the event, echoing the collective pride in the progress made and the determination to continue the journey towards a more inclusive and accepting future. 🌈🦁🎉

David Pollard, Marion Mulder, Martha McDevitt-Pugh, Dimitri Elve, Ezra Clarke, Francesco D’Argento, Kim L.

#INGRainbowLions #20YearsStrong #RainbowLions20 #INGGala #WorkplacePride #DiversityandInclusion

Workplace Pride Announces 2023 Impact Awards Nomination Shortlist

11 October 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Event, Impact Awards, news, News, Uncategorised

Date:October 11, 2023

Amsterdam, Netherlands – On this significant National Coming Out Day, Workplace Pride takes immense pleasure in unveiling the much-anticipated shortlist for the 2023 Impact Awards. These awards are a testament to the remarkable achievements of individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

View Shortlist Nominations

A Night of Celebration

The pinnacle of this year’s journey will be the Impact Awards Gala, hosted at the prestigious Het Scheepvaartmuseum in Amsterdam on Friday, November 3rd, 2023. It will be a night of celebration, recognising those who have shown unwavering commitment to creating more inclusive workplaces.

Exceptional Finalists

This year’s shortlist includes outstanding nominees in various categories, reflecting the dedication and hard work invested in advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Here’s a glimpse of the exceptional finalists:

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Network Award

This prestigious award honours the Workplace Pride member LGBTIQ+ network that has demonstrated outstanding engagement within their organisation and the broader community over the past year. The nominees for this category are:

– PwC

– Accenture

– Shell

These networks embody unity, collaboration, and impactful engagement, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Volunteer Award

The Volunteer Award celebrates individuals from Workplace Pride member organisations who have gone above and beyond to foster LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. The nominees for this category are:

– Mike van de Langenberg (They/Them) – Van Lanschot Kempen

– Kaneesha Nadal (They/Them) – Kite Pharma EU BV

– Razvan Bran(He/Him) – Lenovo

These remarkable volunteers have made a meaningful difference in the lives of many through their dedication to inclusivity.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Media Outreach Award

This award acknowledges the power of positive representation in the media. It celebrates Workplace Pride members who have effectively highlighted LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion through media channels. The nominees for this category are:

– Can you see me campaign – Deloitte

– Shell India Mobility – Shell

– Pride matters. Every Day – ING

These nominees have played a crucial role in shaping informed perspectives on LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Ally Award

The Ally Award recognises individuals who have demonstrated unwavering support for inclusivity and understanding, both within their organisation and externally. The nominees for this category are:

– Vandana Verma – SLB

– Marijke Loonen – FrieslandCampina

– Terhi Kivinen (She /Her) – Kemira

These exceptional allies have shown extraordinary dedication to the cause of inclusivity.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Role Model Award

This award honours individuals who lead by example and inspire positive change, contributing to the creation of more LGBTIQ+ inclusive workplaces. The nominees for this category are:

– Janet Visbeen (She /Her) – PwC

– Sharron Cairns (She/Her) – Nike

– Yasmin Reis – Shell Brazil

These role models are trailblazers who set a path for others to follow, demonstrating the power of leadership in fostering inclusivity.

LGBTIQ+ 2023 Members’ Choice – Game Changer Award

This distinguished award recognizes initiatives among Workplace Pride members that ignite societal impact for the LGBTIQ+ community. It celebrates projects or efforts that have the potential to move and activate people, leaving a lasting positive imprint.

The full list of nominations and more information about the Workplace Pride Impact Awards can be found here.

As we eagerly await the results and the grand celebration at the Impact Awards Gala, Workplace Pride applauds these remarkable individuals and organisations for their exceptional contributions towards a more inclusive and diverse workplace. Their dedication is an inspiration to all, and it reinforces the importance of diversity and inclusion in our society.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Gina Walker and Our Remarkable Volunteers

28 July 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Event, News, Workplace Pride Communities

Amsterdam, 28th July 2023

As our dedicated volunteers, board, and staff gathered in Amsterdam, we celebrated a memorable BBQ evening, marking the successful culmination of our 2023 International Conference “Tracks of Change”. With hearts full of gratitude and joy, we extend our warmest appreciation to the incredible individuals who selflessly made this event an overwhelming success, especially Gina Walker, who brilliantly organised and coordinated all our volunteers.

Their enthusiasm and hard work created an unparalleled atmosphere of camaraderie and support, leaving an indelible impression on every attendee and participant. From guiding delegates to their designated sessions to ensuring smooth registration processes, our volunteers went above and beyond their roles, proving themselves to be the backbone of our international event. Their dedication allowed our guests to focus on networking, knowledge exchange, and creating lasting connections.

The BBQ evening, which brought together our board, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic volunteers, was a fitting celebration of the fruitful collaboration that unfolded during the conference.

“It is truly heartwarming to witness our volunteers’ incredible passion and commitment,” said David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride. “Their invaluable contributions have made a profound impact on the success of the conference”.

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Thank You BBQ!

At Workplace Pride, we firmly believe that volunteers are the lifeblood of any successful endeavour, and it is through their selfless spirit we can achieve greatness. We recognise and appreciate the countless hours of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice they have poured into making this conference a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved.

With the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation that flourished during the conference, we look forward to embarking on new endeavours and impacting our global community.

Thank you, dear volunteers, for being the driving force behind our success!

To view the pictures, please click here

Workplace Pride joins Pride Walk 2023: A Resounding Success Celebrating Love and Diversity

24 July 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Event, News, Workplace Pride Communities

Amsterdam, July 22nd — The vibrant colours of the rainbow filled the streets of Amsterdam as the board, staff, and members of Workplace Pride took part in the Pride Walk 2023. With an overwhelming sense of unity and pride, participants from all walks of life came together to celebrate the LGBTIQ+ community in an unforgettable display of love, energy, and acceptance.

Kicking Off with Style and Spirit

The day commenced at the Workplace Pride Office on Herengracht, where participants were greeted with a warm selection of coffee, tea, and mimosas. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as friends and colleagues reunited and connected with new faces, setting the tone for an extraordinary day ahead.

A Musical Journey with Unidos de Amsterdam

At 12:00 AM, the crowd eagerly assembled at Dam Square, eagerly anticipating the main event. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as Unidos de Amsterdam, a renowned Samba band, joined the march, infusing the surroundings with mesmerising beats that had everyone dancing, laughing, and marching in perfect harmony.

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Take a look at some of the memories from our Pride Walk 2023 or view the full gallery here!

A Celebration of Love, Acceptance, and Unity

Pride Walk was more than just a procession; it was a powerful statement of support for love, acceptance, and equality. With each step they took, the participants showcased their unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusivity, sending a resounding message of hope and empowerment to the world.

Gratitude for an Unforgettable Day

The success of the event would not have been possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of every single participant. The Workplace Pride team expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event’s triumph, from the inspiring participants to the hardworking organisers and generous supporters.

Continuing the Journey Beyond Pride

As the Pride Walk concluded, the spirit of unity and acceptance remained alive, serving as a reminder that fostering an inclusive workplace is a commitment that extends beyond a single day. Workplace Pride reaffirmed their dedication to supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community every day, ensuring that the momentum generated during the Pride Walk would propel them forward in creating a more equitable and welcoming work environment.

A Pride to Remember

The Pride Walk 2023 was undeniably an unforgettable occasion, filled with joy, camaraderie, and a celebration of identities. The rainbow colours painted the city with a message of love and acceptance, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who participated.

As we bid farewell to this year’s Pride Walk, let us carry the spirit of Pride in our hearts throughout the year, championing diversity, inclusion, and equality every day.

*Thank you, once again, to all the participants, organisers, and supporters who made this event a resounding success! Together, let’s continue marching towards a future where love knows no boundaries and acceptance embraces all.*

#WorkplacePride #PrideWalk2023 #LoveIsLove #EqualityForAll #DiversityandInclusion #ProudOfWorkplace #LGBTQCommunity #PrideMarch #InclusivityMatters

Workplace Pride Lecture Empowers Filmmakers to Champion LGBTIQ+ Inclusion in Croatia

3 July 2023
John Ryan
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Categories: Event, News
David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride

Zagreb, Croatia – On June 23, 2023, the “Find Your Audience” Educational Film Workshop featured an impactful lecture by David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride, highlighting the importance of LGBTIQ+ inclusion in filmmaking. The workshop, funded by the United States Embassy in Zagreb and other supporters, aimed to expose young filmmakers to significant societal issues, fostering change in societal perceptions through their work.

The event was organised by 4FILM, a renowned Zagreb-based production company with an impressive portfolio of over 30 films and 20 European co-productions spanning various genres. Their movies have garnered global recognition, with successful distribution in theatres, video-on-demand platforms, and television across 190 countries. The workshop’s other main organiser, OPEN MEDIA GROUP, a non-profit NGO, merges visual arts and new media to promote human rights, cultural value, and democracy, and empower marginalised groups.

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Croatia, despite its EU membership and creatively inclined society, still faces conservative attitudes towards homosexuality. Deeply rooted in Catholicism and characterised by patriarchal norms, the country poses challenges for filmmakers in addressing LGBTIQ+ inclusion. Pollard’s enlightening lecture delved into Workplace Pride’s mission and how numerous large businesses prioritise LGBTIQ+ inclusion—an entirely new concept for most participants.

The lecture sparked discussions on engaging with organisations sometimes perceived as societal adversaries and effectively portraying the ‘coming out’ experience. The young filmmakers exhibited eagerness to learn and incorporate LGBTIQ+ portrayals in their work. However, they also grappled with the limitations imposed by their current working environments. Nevertheless, they recognized their role as future change-makers and embraced their responsibility to authentically represent the lived experiences of LGBTIQ+ individuals.

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The event concluded with resounding success, inspiring participants to champion the cause of LGBTIQ+ inclusion. By leveraging their creative talents and newfound knowledge, these aspiring filmmakers hold the potential to reshape societal perceptions through their work.

The “Find Your Audience” Educational Film Workshop, supported by the United States Embassy in Zagreb, showcased the commitment of 4FILM, OPEN MEDIA GROUP, and participants to foster a more inclusive and diverse society. As the workshop came to a close, the seeds of change were sown, poised to blossom within Croatia’s vibrant film industry.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/4-film/

#WorkplacePride #LGBTIQ+Inclusion #Filmmaking #FindYourAudience #InclusiveSociety