In reflection of this year’s Pride month, one of our team members, James, has shared his views of the importance of people and organisations acknowledging pride all year round.
Do you feel your coworkers are accepting of your sexual orientation?
Yes, 100%. I work in our new Brighton home, and the team I work with are fantastic. We are such a diverse team which reflects the diversity of the great city we work in. We all celebrate each other, whether that be our age, disability, culture, race or how we identify within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Why do you feel it is important for Pride to be celebrated?
Pride is equally as important today as it ever has been. I have great respect for those who came before me who stood up and fought for the rights that we have today, without them, my life would be unrecognisable. I feel a responsibility to do the same for those who are still being marginalised and discriminated against both in the UK and internationally. Times are still tough, especially for those who identify as transgender. Celebrating pride is the easiest way to show that people are accepted, loved, and celebrated for simply being who they are and that they are in a safe space.
What does an inclusive workplace look like to you?
An inclusive workplace is somewhere diversity is valued, and its people feel safe and respected. It’s important to have visible representation, whether that be within the leadership, employee support groups, policy setting or any company initiatives that celebrates LGBTQIA+ diversity. They also need to be reflective, to be able to identify where they may need to improve or aren’t fulfilling their responsibilities. To be open about how they are celebrating diversity and to challenge those who are not inclusive and discriminate.
Do you feel Active Prospects as an organisation has accepted your sexual orientation?
When I joined Active Prospects last June, I was made to feel so welcome. Our organisation embraces everyone that joins. Three weeks after I joined, I celebrated my wedding, and I was overjoyed when Active Prospects sent a bouquet of flowers to congratulate us. It was such a small gesture, but it symbolised so much more. Within three weeks I felt welcomed, safe, and valued. Simple gestures like this can mean the world to anyone. So yes, Active Prospects have absolutely accepted and welcomed me with open arms.
What kind of support or representation would you like to see more of in organisations during Pride Month and beyond?
It’s important that organisations and brands are showing their support 12 months of the year. It’s easy to change your logo to a rainbow on June 1st and then change it back in July. What they need to show is how they are celebrating and supporting our community all year round. For example, Active Prospects have gender neutral toilets within our head office and provide free sanitary products for whoever needs them, they have created safe spaces for some of the most marginalised people in our community. Small gestures like this show year-round support. I’m excited to soon be collaborating with groups and charities within Brighton and Hove to improve the quality of life for the people we support who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community, and our aim to celebrate the community and represent Active Prospects at Brighton & Hove Pride 2026.
What advice would you give to someone who might be struggling with being open about their identity at work?
To anyone who may be struggling to be open about their identity within the workplace, my advice would be to build and lean on your support networks and assess the organisation for safety and inclusivity. At Active Prospects, we have our ‘We Belong Forum’, you could look to join any kind of inclusion network where you can find support and people who have shared experiences. My advice to anyone who may be supporting anyone struggling to be open, I would say that coming out is a personal journey and there is no one size fits all approach. To be a true ally, educate yourself, challenge prejudice, be a good listener and be mindful of your privilege.
At Active Prospects, we’re proud to support our LGBTQIA+ staff and people we support. We’re committed to being a truly inclusive, empowering, and diverse workplace, where we can all thrive. If you’d like to help strengthen our inclusive culture please consider joining our We Belong group of staff from across Active Prospects!
