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Building a Rainbow Bridge Daily
“Raising awareness among employees in daily interactions, encouraging spaces where every community’s voices are heard, and creating inclusive events that encourage people to come together helps build an inclusive work environment day by day. It’s crucial for managers to create equal opportunities for employees to advance their careers within the company. They should also be mindful of their interactions, use language carefully, and consistently show support for the LGBTQ+ community, not just during pride.”
- Larissa Fernanda Augustinho, Analyst, Corporate Marketing
Together, We Walk the Talk
“Sparking inclusivity starts with everyone. It’s crucial to go beyond superficial gestures and implement practices that foster inclusivity and understanding. Regular events like LGBTQ+ awareness workshops and panels can educate employees, promote empathy, and create a more inclusive environment. Infusing our workplace with vibrant activities like “Monthly Diversity Days” with electric trivia battles, workshops, and captivating guest speakers can help the community feel valued and connected. Recognition programs can spotlight our LGBTQ+ advocates, making heroes of inclusivity.”
- Sushmita Hemagiri, Senior Analyst, Pre-sales
It Starts at the Top
“I believe that if a high-performing organization strives to reach its full potential, trust must be rooted at the center of the company culture and prioritized as such. Trust can take shape in many forms and can only be earned through consistent actions & follow-through by the organization. In my experience, this starts with leadership leading by example to create an inclusive environment of kindness, understanding, and support for all team members, no matter their background, experiences, or beliefs. A truly inclusive environment will enable team members to bring their full, unguarded selves to work each and every day without concern about others’ perception of them or judgment.”
- Nick Wolanczyk, Vice President, Solution Sales
Building Bridges, Not Walls
“As simple as it may sound, create awareness. In a world where knowledge is power, it is only when we know about something that we can explore ways how to support it. Awareness through panel discussions, webinars, learning nuggets, sponsorships, and busting myths can help us understand better and create an environment conducive to the LGTBQ+ community. Such initiatives can help prevent instances of micro-aggression or biases that may creep in either consciously or unconsciously at work. By understanding the importance of inclusivity, recognizing the current challenges, and showing the willingness to create a workplace that values diversity, we can definitely create a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to grow and flourish.”
- Sumedha Singh, Senior Analyst, People Transformation
Creating a Consistent Formula
“Humans are more than their jobs, which is why an inclusive culture is important. Diversity fuels creativity, and creativity drives innovation. Fostering an inclusive culture takes effort and consistency, but it benefits us all. Embracing diversity and creating safe spaces are crucial for a business culture that seeks to be truly inclusive and innovative. Words can persuade, but actions inspire change. The difference in work starts when leaders set the example, but it also involves each one of us.”
- Romerito Vieira Pontes, Designer
Fostering True Allyship and Acceptance
“There’s a long way to go, as there is still much prejudice against LGBTQ+ people worldwide in the workspace. Training sessions and regular check-ins can create a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. It’s imperative for leadership to set an example of inclusion and diversity so that other team members also become more intuitive and set aside prejudice.”
- Talita Gallieiro Medeiros Rigueto, Marketing Analyst
Empower Inclusive Collaboration
“We partner with a wide array of clients and their team members, each bringing unique backgrounds and experiences that helped me broaden my learnings and objectives. Prioritize inclusion as a core value in every engagement, embracing diversity in demographics, preferences, experiences, perspectives, and ideas. The most effective solutions arise from a rich variety of inputs and viewpoints that are free from bias and preconceptions. The greatest outcomes are achieved when we ensure that all voices are heard and valued in the solutions we collaboratively develop with our clients.”
- Mike Baloga, AVP, Design Consulting
Unmask the Myth of "Normal"
“The mistake made in supporting LGBTQ+ (or any marginalized group) is reducing it to a checkbox of “do we or don’t we.” The benefits of diversity don’t come from having “diverse people” around the office, it comes from having diverse ideas, diverse perspectives, diverse cultures, and diverse styles. Most forms of exclusion don’t come from intentional thought or malice, but rather a passive acceptance and assumption of what “normal” is. If an organization is composed mostly of one cohort, then certain ideas, mannerisms, and perspectives are simply seen as the “right” ones. By expecting people to conform to them, we then create a culture hostile to people outside that cohort without necessarily meaning to.
So, if you are to ask me what the “one thing” you can do to support LGBTQ+ in your business is, then I would say to ask yourself “What standards of normal do I take for granted?” Do I assume that professionals can only dress a certain way? Do I assume that a professional can only talk a certain way? Do I assume that a professional looks a certain way?
And then ask yourself, “Do these things really determine if someone is good at their job?”
The more open an organization is to be challenged on its assumptions, the more room there is for a diverse range of people to be a part of it.”
The more open an organization is to be challenged on its assumptions, the more room there is for a diverse range of people to be a part of it.”
- Christopher Hoyt, Director & AI Enthusiast
Building a Rainbow Bridge Daily
- Larissa Fernanda Augustinho, Analyst, Corporate Marketing
-Unmask the Myth of "Normal"
“The mistake made in supporting LGBTQ+ (or any marginalized group) is reducing it to a checkbox of “do we or don’t we.”
- Christopher Hoyt, Director of Marketing
-Unmask the Myth of "Normal"
“The mistake made in supporting LGBTQ+ (or any marginalized group) is reducing it to a checkbox of “do we or don’t we.”
- Christopher Hoyt, Director of Marketing
In closing, the enduring truth of “actions speaking louder than words” resonates deeply with the topic of inclusion and diversity. Today, the need for these principles is undeniable, and it will only continue to grow as the world around us evolves.
It’s important to remember that LGBTQ+ inclusion isn’t just a formality. It’s about creating a space where real people, with their unique experiences and emotions, feel valued and respected. This blog aimed to highlight the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion from a variety of perspectives. By sharing the experiences and viewpoints of Marlabs’ employees from diverse backgrounds, we hope to spark conversations and inspire others to take action.
Ultimately, organizations have a responsibility to strive for continuous improvement in this area. By setting a strong example, leaders can empower their teams to reach their full potential and build a more productive, inclusive workplace for all.
Curated by
Sugandha Victor
Lead Analyst – Marketing
Sugandha Victor
Lead Analyst – Marketing