Uniper Pride Community: Diversity, equity, and inclusion for LGBTQ+ people

The thriving Pride Community at Uniper is growing: The number of people, identifying as LGBTQ+ or allies, within the company who joined the self-organizing community has increased by about 50 percent this year. A small number of members have taken up the responsibility to be a voice that raises attention and keep the ball rolling into the right direction. The community was founded in 2016 at the establishment of Uniper. 

“It started quiet, but over the last few years it has grown in visibility. We owe a lot to those who first established our community”, said Michael Rahilly, Head of Service - Asset Operations at Uniper and active member of the Pride Community. “The community is about thriving, about providing a safe space for people where they can come if they are questioning their own sexuality or gender. They will find people they can talk to in a safe place. But it is also about recognizing and celebrating the history and culture, role models and progress that has been made so far. We also look at what improvements need to be made as well as the current rights queer people have or don’t have around Europe. We have colleagues all over the world and when it comes to equality there is still much to improve and achieve.”

One milestone in 2021 has been a community workshop, where the whole community and allies join to review what has been done and achieved so far. “We decided to put together a vision statement and clear objective to drive the topic in a more strategic and effective way. Our members started to take their responsibilities more serious. We began approaching the internal stakeholders more strategically. We had a yearly plan with topics and activities per month. This helped a lot to set a pace. Because it is not a one-time topic. On a regular basis we put continuous effort and we get more results: more engagement, support, improvement, and positive feedback”, explained Yasin Efe, Sustainability Advisor, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Ambassador at Uniper and active member of the Pride Community.

The events are still mainly taking place online. In this way, they are accessible for everyone, independent of the location. “It is usually a combination of a presentation and a discussion. Bringing some new material or reminding people of different aspects of diversity within LGBTQ+. Then, we motivate people to submit their questions”, Michael explained. Other events, such as film nights, are a great opportunity to make it not just about a workplace commitment but also expand into daily life and culture and share in a broader sense. But this year, the members are also trying to go back to physical events. “We aim to bring people together. It is important to connect and share experiences. And of course, there will be rainbow cupcakes”, Yasin said.

The community has also started distributing Pride Lanyards representing Uniper brand and progressive pride flag following up on an idea suggested by an ally. Everyone at the company was encouraged and invited to demonstrate their visible allyship and support by wearing a Pride Lanyard. Following the growing interest in the lanyards, they will now be made available company-wide. “Wearing a lanyard is not about identifying as a queer person. It's more about showing that you are an ally who supports equality in business and is committed to equality in the workplace. It is a fantastic feeling to walk around and directly recognize so many supporters”, Michael said. “We welcome everyone who is willing to contribute in small or large ways to deliver our goals. We are just a group of people who have a passion.”