June is Pride month, I’m sure you’ve seen or taken part in some of the events that have been happening. This year’s theme “Threads of Connection – Woven with PRIDE” celebrates how connections and shared experiences weave together to create a strong and vibrant community. A strong message that has resonance in many contexts and one that I’m sure rings true for our communities.
I’m not sure how but I stumbled upon an OSLO Pride advert on YouTube (you can find it by searching TRYGG- Oslo Pride 2025) but it really made an impact. It features various situations in which an LGBTQ+ character is nervous about how they will be treated – on a tube train, sat opposite a potentially intimidating passenger; a job interview, will they have a fair shot and then how the situation changes when they see the other person wearing a rainbow wristband, lanyard or badge.
It’s a powerful message about the importance of us signalling to those we come into contact that we provide fair and non-judgemental services. A principle that goes beyond LGBTQ+ rights and which should encompass a range of situations like poverty, domestic abuse, neurodiversity and many more. Something for us all to reflect on when interacting with customers or colleagues.
As we continue to evolve how we work, we are looking at how we weave those “Threads of Connection”. We want to help colleagues come together and make connections through employee-led community groups or networks where people who share a common background or experience can support one another.
You may not know that we are piloting an LGBTQ+ employee-led community group in 2025.
The LGBTQ+ Community pilot is for colleagues who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and others who fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella to come together in a supportive and welcoming environment. Groups will meet online using Microsoft Teams. After an initial meeting, each group will meet every three months during the pilot and you can sign up here – Sign-up to the LGBTQ+ Community
We also have a Veterans community pilot for colleagues who have served in the UK armed forces as a regular or as a reserve.
You can find out more about employee-led communities
Have a lovely weekend.
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
