Why it's crucial to speak out and show support for the LGBTQIA+ community

Having been the victim of discrimination in a previous workplace, I know first-hand the importance of speaking out and showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.

My Hays Story began when I moved to the UK with my husband in October 2021. I started my career at Hays just a few days after arriving in London, and I have worked across a number of tech recruitment and learning and development roles within the company ever since.

The LGBTQ+ community are celebrated at Hays

I’ve found my colleagues at Hays to be open to listening, developing and learning about issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. I particularly appreciate that diversity and cultural differences aren’t only celebrated during Pride Month, but throughout the whole year. We have Pride flags up in the office year-round and there’s a large Pride network.

The UK and Sweden have been inclusive 

Having lived in the US, Sweden and the UK, I’ve experienced many different levels of the spectrum in terms of attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. I’ve had a wholly positive experience in the UK, having never had any issues, not once felt unsafe, and haven’t felt uneasy about mentioning my identity to anyone. My experience in Sweden was also an encouraging one, and I feel it’s more progressive in Sweden than it is here. It’s long been a diverse and inclusive place to live, with a significant LGBTQ+ community.

I feel the US is sadly moving backwards

I found living and working in the US to be a very different experience. My professional experience in Atlanta was overshadowed by discrimination. Working at a Fortune 500 company, I was subject to discrimination by my colleagues, was at the end of racial slurs from customers and clients, and even received physical threats of violence. You’re supposed to feel safe in the workplace, but my colleagues and managers failed to stand up for me when I was discriminated against.

And it’s only getting worse in the US, with the vital progress that was made sadly now being reversed. Texas, for example, is debating an unthinkable bill that would make it a felony to claim to an employer or in any government dealings a gender that differs from what was assigned at birth. Meanwhile, the number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills across the US has reached record level, with 575 being proposed as of May 2025, many of which target transgender people specifically.

Stand up for what’s right

Although I’m in a much more inclusive environment now, I know from my own past experiences that there are members of the LGBTQ+ community who are struggling in discriminatory workplace environments – feeling undervalued, uncomfortable, and unsafe. My advice to anyone in this position would be, most importantly, to speak out – even if you’re uncomfortable doing so. There are always people you can talk to and confide in. It's just about taking that first step and finding a support network – otherwise, nothing is going to change.

As no one spoke out when I faced discrimination in some of my previous workplaces, I understand how important this support is. Managers should be leading from the front to stop this behaviour, but anyone can and should be stepping up if they hear or witness something that’s not right. This can, and will be, very impactful towards creating a safe space and environment at work.

Getting involved in your organisation’s Pride networks is also an excellent way to show support to the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride Network is open to everyone, not just members of the LGBTQ+ community, and is a safe space where everyone can freely be themselves. To my Hays colleagues, if you have questions about, or would like to join the Pride Network, just reach out to your Regional Pride Lead for more details!

If you’d be interested in working for an inclusive company like Hays, then take a look at our careers page.