Celebrating Pride Month with iCAN
In recognition of Pride Month this month, we are focusing on further educating our members on the issues that still face the LGBTQ+ community – while also recognising the incredible contribution to our industry from a wide range of diverse professionals.
What is Pride Month?
Pride Month is a celebration that recognises the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to society. It aims to acknowledge the challenges faced by this community and to stand in solidarity with their fight for equality, acceptance and human rights.
During Pride Month there are often events and activities that promote inclusivity, educate the public and celebrate the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities.
Pride is celebrated in June to mark the Stonewall riots, which were key protests in 1969 that greatly impacted gay rights in the US and beyond.
If you want to read more, you can visit: https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/lgbt-history-month-2024/
Why is Pride Month important?
A lot of progress has been made for LGBTQ+ rights regarding issues such as marriage equality, but there is more employers can do to continue supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
To understand why Pride Month holds such significance, we’ve asked members of our community to share their perspectives on its importance:
India Ngoma – iDAWN Network Champion and Service Desk Analyst at TMK
“Pride is seeing someone for who they want to be or are, not for who they are told to be – it’s allowing people to love who they love, to be who they truly are and to be able to do so without negative or hurtful judgement from others on what they should and shouldn’t be doing.
“I celebrate Pride by doing just that, living my life and enjoying who I choose to be around without caring about who may not like it, because it’s my life.”
Wayne Page – Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Brit Insurance
“The LGBTQ+ community seem to be constantly used as a political agenda item to gain favour, which creates division across society and within our own community.
“This year, I will be using my voice for role-modelling and trying to show that we are just very regular people who want to be able to live our lives alongside everybody else, get the same opportunities and live without judgment or fear.”
Anique Buddhdev – Senior Pricing Actuary at SiriusPoint
"Pride is important to me as it provides an opportunity for visibility, which gives us an opportunity to celebrate our identity, break down barriers and highlight the rich diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community. This year I will be celebrating not only by marching in the London parade with Link but also hosting our first ever Pride event for SiriusPoint, which is very exciting and a great step towards creating an inclusive workforce."
Siobhan Hayden – Financial Operations Manager at Brit Insurance
"In this modern age of inclusion and diversity it is heartbreaking to know that there are still people who are not free to be themselves without fear of repercussion or threat to life. Pride is a great opportunity to show our support and promote the Pride values worldwide. In Wimbledon many of our local businesses embrace Pride and its importance in the community, and I will be firmly supporting them."
Esan Swan – Freelance Photographer
“I believe Pride is important to our community because its an opportunity to remind ourselves to be proud of our identities as queer people. It’s a chance to celebrate each other for our differences and share our experiences. Pride is also a great opportunity to reflect on LGBTQ+ history and stand in solidarity with other persecuted and marginalized communities worldwide still fighting for equality, civil liberties and freedom from oppression. // I am celebrating Pride this year by joining demonstrations against current genocides and international atrocities and using my voice to advocate for trans rights and inclusion.”
Also, our partner network Link is hosting a Pride in London Parade on June 29th. This event is an excellent opportunity to network, celebrate and promote inclusivity within the insurance industry.
For more details on the event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pride-in-london-parade-2024-tickets-880820236037
Pride Month is a time for reflection, celebration and advocacy. It allows us to honour the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights, recognise the ongoing struggles and promote a culture of acceptance and equality. By sharing personal stories and actively participating in Pride events, we contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society.
Let's continue to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community, not just during Pride Month, but every day.
About iCAN
The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) is a leading organisation committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the insurance sector. Established in 2017, iCAN has been instrumental in spotlighting cultural awareness, fostering talent, and championing diversity within the industry.