Pride Month: How we’re championing LGBTQ+ inclusion all year round
Pride month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and support their ongoing fight for equality. But at Westcon-Comstor, we’re committed to championing Pride and LGBTQ+ inclusion all year round.
At Westcon-Comstor, inclusion is not just a people strategy. It’s an ambition to make sure our people feel totally comfortable being themselves at work, without fear of judgement or consequence.
So, as we celebrate Pride month, we’re reaffirming our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, without losing sight of the fact that inclusion matters every day.
Why is LGBTQ+ inclusion important?
An inclusive workplace allows LGBQT+ employees to feel safe to be themselves. It gives them the confidence to speak freely about their identity, families, and partners, leading to less stress and better mental health.
Despite the societal progress made, the world has a way to go in LGBTQ+ inclusion. Outdated societal norms slow down LGBTQ+ acceptance by keeping old prejudices alive.
Santi Campagna, Internal Sales at Westcon-Comstor, tells us more:
“Societal norms significantly shape the experience and journeys of everyone, but especially of diverse identities. It affects their self-perceptions, relationships, and overall mental health.
Societal norms are also social constructs. They’re based on cultural heritage, beliefs, and even stereotypes. Through those social constructions, the human experience is defined and affected in different spheres. My self-discovery and awareness journey – both professionally and personally – were very much affected by the lack of positive representation and affected by those norms.”
Watch our full interview with Santi.
Supporting LGBTQ+ people at Westcon-Comstor
We, of course, have zero tolerance for discrimination at Westcon-Comstor – but that’s just the start of how we protect and empower LGBTQ+ people at our company.
Inclusion is one of our core company values, and we work hard to make it felt across the business.
One way we do this is through our Inclusion Employee Resource Group (ERG). This ERG is a safe space and community for our people to share their experiences – LGBTQ+ and beyond – while inspiring action and policies within the business.
Luis Ariza Ruis, Global Juniper Account Manager and Inclusion ERG member, commented:
“I talk about our Inclusion ERG all the time. It’s amazing. It was surprising at the beginning that it exists… in a company as big as Westcon-Comstor. It’s a role model for the whole industry.”
Watch the full interview with Luis and his partner, Guillermo.
In the heartfelt words of Marianne Nickenig, VP Networking and Infrastructure EMEA & VP Revenue Operations EU:
“At Westcon-Comstor, love is love, and everyone deserves to be their authentic selves, both in life and within our company. We’re committed to not just waving the rainbow flag but weaving these values into the fabric of our culture.”
Discover more about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Westcon-Comstor.
