Celebrating Pride 2025
MacIntyre's Diversity Advisory Group was set up with the aim that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give their best.
With this in mind, we were pleased to read this story from one of our Support Workers, although sorry to hear about her previous experiences:
Previous insensitive work places
My work environments in the past, had not been the most accepting to say the least, from casual insensitive jokes, to being told I was not allowed the rights I currently hold.
If I went to any of my previous managers, I was always told the same thing “Just get over it”.
Discrimination and harassment
I had accepted that discrimination and verbal harassment would always be part of my working life and that “just getting over it” was something I would always do. I had developed a fear of discussing anything to do with my sexuality: dates I went on, Pride celebrations I attended, I wouldn't even talk about friends who were also in the LGBTQ+ society.
This then started affecting my personal life, I had become closeted again.
A new start at MacIntyre
When I joined MacIntyre, I was hopeful I could start to be more open about my sexuality and be supported to be open about it.
Within the short 15 months of working here, not only have the team I work with been inclusive, but understanding of what could be harmful and discriminatory.
My managers have always been fully supportive of my sexuality, and I know if I ever have issues that I had in the past, they would be support me and help me through this.
Joining the Diversity Advisory Group
This positive experience gave me the confidence to join MacIntyre's Diversity Advisory Group so as to share my perspective and help make sure all LGBTQIA+ staff can be confident to be 'out'. Whether that's sharing casual conversations with colleagues about family and friends, to discussing wider issues affecting our community and how they may affect us.
