MyGwork, the global recruitment and networking organisation for LGBTQ+ professionals, has launched its first global digital conference, #WorkPride, in place of postponed or cancelled flagship LBGTQ+ events.
The conference celebrated the LGBTQ+ community and strengthened LGBTQ+ inclusion during what is a difficult time for many people across the world. The global event ran from 22 – 26 June.
According to the Trevor Project 2020, LGBTQ+ helplines are experiencing double the amount of calls and many people have lost their jobs due to Covid-19. Research shows that some parts of the LGBTQ+ community feel particularly isolated and at risk.
Pierre Gaubert, CEO and co-founder of myGwork, commented: “The ongoing pandemic has serious implications for the mental health of LGBTQ+ people. With most pride events being postponed or cancelled around the world we want to make sure the LGBTQ+ business community is visible and celebrated. This is a great opportunity for organisations committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion and their employees to come together to continue the conversation about what true equality in the workplace looks like – even from home.”
The conference, powered by Zoom, was aimed at professionals, graduates, and employers, and provided a forum to showcase and discuss best practice for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.
Each day of the virtual event covered a different theme and involved interactive sessions including workshops and panel discussions with opportunities for attendees to network and build their contacts.
The headline sponsor EY opened the event on Monday 22 June; and Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, closed the conference on Friday 26 June.
Adrien Gaubert, CMO and co-founder myGwork, said: “We are focusing on pride in business because this is what we know best. This is a great opportunity to showcase what organisations and employee resource groups are doing for LGBTQ+ inclusion while learning new skills and bringing people together to combat loneliness, isolation and poor mental health.”
Sandra Thompson, of the EY Unity network – an employee network for the LGBT+ community at EY, also commented: “With pride and other key LGBTQ+ events understandably not going ahead as planned this year, virtual conferences such as WorkPride are a great way to ensure that we continue to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. We look forward to being part of this event and having the opportunity to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, and inform ongoing efforts to create an inclusive work environment for all.”
