How to celebrate Pride at your workplace in 2023
Recognising Pride at work is a great way to show support for the LGBTQ+ community and promote an inclusive work environment.
Celebrating Pride and related movements can have a positive impact on workplace wellbeing.
When people feel respected and accepted, they’re more likely to feel engaged in their work.
Inclusive and accepting workplaces are also associated with better individual wellbeing outcomes, such increased job satisfaction and improved mental health.
Here are some ideas to help you show your support for the Pride movement at your workplace in 2023.
Start by checking your blindspots
Before going ahead with any activity, ask yourself: have I included the rainbow community in decision making? Any efforts to celebrate LGBTQ+ events should be guided and informed by the LGBTQ+ community.
Provide diversity & inclusion education and training
Educate your employees on how to participate in and contribute to a truly inclusive workplace. Offer formal training opportunities and share educational resources. Make it clear this is important all year round, not just during Pride events.
Read more: The Groov guide to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and 5 diversity & inclusion tips for leaders
Be an ally
Allyship is about sharing your privilege and power with others. As Voice of Groov Shantelle Thompson writes, “allyship is a way of being. It’s about opening doors and creating space for people from all walks of life”.
Read more: How to be an ally
Partner with LGBTQ+ organisations
Look for ways to partner with LGBTQ+ organisations. For example, as training providers, company sponsors, content creators, or event organisers.
Use gender-neutral language
Words have a profound impact on belonging. Where possible, use gender-neutral language. For example, spouse/partner instead of husband/wife; y’all instead of guys or girls; policeworker instead of policeman or policewoman.
Read more: 10 ways to be more inclusive at work
Review LGBTQ+ policies
Make sure your policies for LGBTQ+ inclusion are up-to-date and align with the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Ask for confidential, anonymous feedback to see if there are any opportunities for improvement.
Encourage volunteer work that supports LGBTQ+ nonprofits
Plan an employee volunteer event that supports a nonprofit in the LGBTQ+ space, or donate a portion of profits to an LGBTQ+ organisation.
Host events that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community
There are several Pride events happening throughout 2023. Get involved in your local Pride March or host an event to celebrate a Pride festival. Add key dates to your workplace calendar and bring people together to show support.
Pride events 2023 in Australia and New Zealand
January
Midsumma Festival | Melbourne, Australia | 21 January – 12 February
February
Auckland Pride Festival | 1 – 26 February
TasPride Festival | Tasmania, Australia | 10 – 14 February
Auckland Big Gay Out 2023 | 12 February, 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sydney WorldPride 2023 | 17 February – 5 March
Broome Pride Mardi Gras | Western Australia | 18 February – 16 March
March
Albany Pride Festival | Western Australia | 3 – 12 March
Wellington Pride Festival | New Zealand | 4 – 18 March
Pride Whanganui | Whanganui, New Zealand | 4 – 11 March
Pride March Sydney Harbour Bridge | 5 March, 7:00 am – 10:00 am
Christchurch Pride Festival | New Zealand | 10 March – 19 March
June
National Pride Month Australia | All June
Sydney Pride Festival | All June
Top End Pride Festival | Darwin, Australia | Exact dates TBC
Sunshine Coast Mardi Gras | Sunshine Coast, Australia | 10 June
August
Winter Pride Festival | Queenstown, New Zealand | 25 August – 3 September
September
Brisbane Pride Festival | Australia | Exact dates TBC
October
Melbourne Queer Games Festival | Australia | Exact dates TBC
Newcastle Pride Festival | Australia | Exact dates TBC
November
OUT in the Open Festival | Shepparton, Australia | Exact dates TBC
PrideFEST | Western Australia | Exact dates TBC