Dentsu Aegis launches its first LGBT+ employee network
The multinational media and digital marketing communications company has launched its first LGBT+ employee network
Dentsu Aegis Network today announced the launch of a LGBT employee network in the UK & Ireland – aptly called ‘&PROUD’.
As a member of LGBT+ equality charity Stonewall, &PROUD aims to support LGBT+ people across Dentsu Aegis’ 3,500 workforce by ensuring an “inclusive and diverse culture where staff feel able to be their true self at work.”
In addition, &PROUD will also provide consultancy to all Dentsu Aegis agencies whose clients want to better understand and reach LGBT+ communities.
To mark the launch, outdoor digital screens around some of Dentsu Aegis’ main UK offices – including London, Manchester, Newcastle, and Edinburgh – displayed a message of pride alongside the colourful &PROUD branding.
An event marking the network’s launch was also held at Dentsu Aegis London HQ, with guest speakers including Asifa Lahore, Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen, YouTube’s biggest LGBT stars in the UK, Trent & Luke, and former deputy-chair of Stonewall, Liz Grant – who received an OBE for her services to the LGBT community.
The network is sponsored by Liz Jones – CEO of B2B, Dentsu Aegis Network UK & Ireland – and is run by a team of LGBT+ champions and allies across its group agencies, which includes Carat, Vizeum, iProspect, Isobar, mcgarrybowen, Posterscope, MKTG, and John Brown Media.
“As a heterosexual woman who has always worked in diverse teams, I hadn’t truly appreciated the challenges that many LGBT+ people still face in their lives, with many choosing not to be open with colleagues and clients about their sexuality or gender identity,” Ms Jones commented.
“This isn’t just about helping a group of people find a voice, it’s about turning up the volume on what diversity means and encouraging everyone to embrace it.”
During its first 12 months, &PROUD will support local charity Diversity Role Models – which seeks to prevent homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in UK schools – and encourage Dentsu Aegis Network staff to be volunteer Role Models.
