Marching for LGBT+ inclusion
We’re working to increase the engagement and participation of LGBT+ people in the global workforce, by fostering a culture where everyone feels included.
Setting the scene
In recent years, societies worldwide have seen a growing culture of respect and inclusion for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) people – a positive development supported in some cases by improved legal rights. But there are still some parts of the world where antagonism and discrimination towards LGBT+ people persist.
While we respect the laws of every country where we operate, we certainly do not tolerate discrimination on any grounds – including LGBT+ status. In fact, we believe in going further to actively value the differences of our people.
How we helped
With this in mind, PwC's intention is to increase the engagement and participation of LGBT+ people in the global workforce, by fostering a culture where everyone feels included and where differences are valued. Why? Because the whole inclusivity agenda is absolutely central to what PwC is all about, both individually and collectively.
There are many examples of PwC's commitment to LGBT+ inclusion. This year, as millions of people take part in Pride parades across the globe, PwC leaders and employees are among them – marching with Pride as we sponsor buses, boats, floats and banners in Pride parades in many cities from Atlanta to Melbourne and from Sydney to Zurich. In some cases – like Amsterdam, London and New York – PwC firms participate as major sponsors.
Our determination to develop a truly inclusive working environment for all is further underlined by the growing number of PwC firms with LGBT+ networks. These are already established in 17 PwC firms – Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China/Hong Kong, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, UK, US and Vietnam – with more on the way.
To mark Pride Month in June 2019, we’ve given these networks a new name globally – Shine – to celebrate the many ways in which our LGBT+ colleagues make our workplace culture brighter.
"I don’t fit into any box as a woman engineer, with a PhD from one of the leading universities in the United States, then working in academia, moving to leadership positions, and finally joining a professional services firm. Since nothing ‘fits together,’ so to speak, it shows others that being different can give you an advantage."
