Guest CEO Blog: Celebrating National Coming Out Day as an Ally by Emily Maddocks, Consultant, Harvey Nash Manchester
Today marks National Coming Out Day.
As an ally, this day reinforces the importance of being proud of who you are. Sharing your authentic self with others is not always safe or easy, and is of course not just a one day event. As a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, I recognise that despite progress in recent history in terms of acceptance, it is still essential that the community comes together to celebrate and advocate. Everyone has the right to live full lives, and as allies we must do all we can to protect, educate, and celebrate that pursuit.
Celebrating the courage of the LGBTQ+ community
National Coming Out Day is an annual event that celebrates the courage of LGBTQ+ individuals who choose to come out and live authentically. This day holds significant meaning within the LGBTQ+ community, as it highlights both the joy and the challenges of being true to oneself.
For many around the world, coming out can be an incredibly difficult and sometimes daunting experience, often accompanied by the fear of discrimination or judgment. These challenges can make it hard for people to express their true selves. By sharing our stories and listening to one another, we build a stronger, more supportive community.
Today, we honour the importance of living openly and celebrate the bravery it takes to come out. We also take time to acknowledge that, for some, coming out is not yet a safe option. Let's use this day as a reminder to support and uplift one another as we work toward a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone.
I feel proud to be in an organisation who advocates for positive change, an organisation who strives to educate. Today and every day, we recognise and celebrate inclusivity.
Celebrating progress
Today, we mark the progress we have made to celebrate who we truly are, celebrate diversity, and understand that diversity truly makes us a richer community where we can all thrive and be the best versions of ourselves.
As proud allies, it is our duty to ensure that everyone can bring their most authentic selves to work. As an ally it is important to continue to take action to educate yourself, listen to one another and most importantly respect one another.