Pride in ourselves.

Matthew Ward works as a Digital Messaging Associate, responsible for connecting with customers digitally. He joined in April 2019.

What does Pride mean to you?

Pride to me is a fundamental movement and event that takes place which showcases the fight that our allies have undergone, and the fight that we’ll continue to push to achieve equality in such a beautifully diverse community. It’s all about fighting for equality, and that doesn’t necessarily just have to do with LGBT folk — for me it’s a celebration of equilibrium between communities.

How does NewDay encourage inclusion and diversity?

NewDay have created a solid foundation to be able to say that we support our LGBT friends, family and allies. Anti-discrimination is a big part of the workplace at NewDay, and any abuse towards it’s employees is taken very seriously. We have LGBT panels, teams and other events that continue to effortlessly support the cause.

Why is it important to celebrate Pride in the workplace?

As well as other issues such as womens’ equality and racial equality which have been big topics over the last year, LGBTQ+ equality has also been a core issue for many people, and Pride is the very thing that raises attention to those who are ill-educated on the matter, and teaches them of our history and what we’re doing just to be welcomed into this world filled with both love and hatred. Having this foundation within a workplace enforces and promotes that welcoming environment we all expect to be in. Again, this welcoming environment must be created for those of different genders, race, age and background. Equality never falls into one bracket.

With many Pride events cancelled this year, how might you be marking the occasion?

I plan on using social media to go live and have some fun competitions, games, quiz nights etc. The activities and questions asked will all be very fun, but they will also include LGBTQ+ driven material.

We’ve heard a lot about allyship — do you feel you have ally’s across the business?

I do, every single one of my colleagues I would consider an ally. They are supportive of anything equality-related.

Who has been an important Ally in your life?

My mum. She’s been the absolute backbone of my life and has supported me through absolutely everything.

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