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EY Unity Rainbow Network, an internal group, aims to create a safe and inclusive workplace by promoting LGBT+ awareness and allyship.
Before I moved to Sweden, I often heard about the country’s reputation for being relatively open-minded and LGBT+ friendly. However, my personal experience has revealed that this statement reflects only part of the reality.
Upon relocating to Sweden, I noticed that the LGBT+ community is widely accepted and respected. However, people usually don’t openly discuss this topic, which may suggest it is not widely considered or does not exist as an issue. Thinking positively, maybe it’s because people genuinely have an inclusive mindset and don’t feel the need to chat about it. However, on the other hand, if nobody is ever talking about it, how do I identify you as an ally or know whether this place is truly LGBT+ friendly?
I struggled with this idea when I joined the EY Stockholm office. In addition, while individuals were delightful and welcoming, I was surprised to know that there was no existing EY Unity LGBT+ network nor many conversations on the topic. As an expat in a new environment, it was difficult to gauge people’s attitudes toward the LGBT+ community and determine whether it was a safe place to express my true identity. This experience reinforced the significance of forming allies and advocating for awareness.
Therefore, upon receiving an email from our EY Nordic Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity leader, Åsa Granstrand, proposing the idea of forming a Swedish Unity network, I promptly joined and have since been actively involved with most of the events to promote awareness and form an allyship.
Jimmy and EY Nordic Diversity and Inclusive leader, Åsa Granstrand
Since then, I have been involved in various initiatives, such as a Nordic-level webcast that emphasized the importance of being an ally and organizing activities such as the EY Rainbow Pub and an EY Rainbow movie night. Additionally, we have planned a series of Rainbow events during our upcoming Nordics Rainbow Week in June, including an EY Summer Party, incorporating some rainbow/colorful elements to further highlight the significance of creating a safe and inclusive workplace environment for our people to be true to themselves.
EY Rainbow Pub
Currently, I am pleased to witness our network growing and the community’s appreciation of it. It empowers us to feel supported and connected among colleagues and eliminates any feelings of loneliness or isolation. Furthermore, I am grateful for EY’s relentless efforts to use social media to promote the importance of inclusivity. I sincerely hope, in the future, there will be no need for labeling one as L, G, B, T, Q, or +, and we can all simply be “people” who feel safe and comfortable being ourselves.
EY is on its mission to help us accomplish this goal and contribute to building a better working world. Why don’t you join us, and let’s make this world even better together?
Summary
It is important to form an allyship and keep the conversation going so people know they are not alone and others are out there to support the LGBT+ community. Who does not like to work at a place where you can feel a great sense of inclusiveness and belonging? That is what we are pursuing here at EY. EY is on its mission to promote awareness and create a better working world. Why don’t you join us, and together, let’s make this world even better?