Joshua

Pride is a time for visibility, celebration, and reflection. For me, it’s also a time to look back on my journey toward being comfortable enough to bring my whole self to work.

I’ve always been quite true to myself and my sexuality post coming out during my sixth form years at 17. I took this into every aspect of my life including my initial career, but I never considered the facts of what it meant to be out at work. 

In the early stages of my career, there was little to no visibility or conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion. DEI simply wasn’t on the agenda, and it certainly wasn’t something embedded into the culture of the organisations I was part of. There were no networks, no open discussions, no visible support systems, just a quiet, underlying sense that difference was something to be downplayed.

Even as someone who didn’t shy away from who I was, I still found myself second-guessing things. Was I being too open about my personal life? Should I speak up more? More often than not, silence in those moments felt safer. When the inappropriate jokes made their rounds, do I laugh it off and stay under the guise of protection or do I stand up and put an imaginary target on my back?

Today however, I am surrounded by such a variety of voices and stories, which allow me to feel much more accepted widely  and also empower me with the knowledge of the experiences of others and how I can come out in support. 

Being heavily involved in our own Pride@Capco UK Team has helped me find my place, discover things I didn’t originally know about myself and most importantly, to connect. In today’s ever changing dynamic, having a safe space is incredibly vital. 

A key part of creating an inclusive environment lies in active allyship. It’s not just about acceptance, it’s about action. Knowing that there are people around you who are willing to speak up, amplify your voice, and create space for you to be heard can make a huge difference. I’ve personally felt the impact of this kind of support. Having colleagues who consciously champion my voice and make sure I feel seen and valued has made it that much easier to show up as my full self.

While I’ve been fortunate to receive the support of active allies, I also recognize the importance of showing up for others, both within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Our experiences are incredibly diverse, and being part of this community doesn’t automatically mean I understand what everyone else is going through. That’s why I make it a point to actively listen to others’ stories and seek out perspectives that differ from my own. It’s a continuous journey of learning—one that not only deepens my understanding but also helps create a more connected, safer space for those around me. Wherever I hold privilege, I try to use it to make room for others and be the kind of ally I’ve been lucky enough to have myself.

I hope for you all, that you have a very enjoyable Pride Month however you may be choosing to celebrate.