Pride in ourselves.
In this, our first interview for Pride Month, we speak with Niki Pallett a senior manager, in our Credit Decisioning team. Niki’s been with NewDay for 3 years.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride to me is a time for remembering all the battles our community has fought to get our rights where they are today and celebrating those achievements. It is also a time where I reflect on what still needs to be done around the world to ensure people from the LGBTQ+ can live safely and freely.
Which issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community are on your mind this Pride?
This Pride my thoughts will be with the people in countries where rights that had previously been made more equal have started turning in the opposite direction. I will also (as always) spare thoughts for people who live in countries where it is illegal to be themselves and in some places punishable by death.
Why is it important to celebrate Pride in the workplace?
It’s important for the purpose of making a statement that NewDay supports its LGBTQ+ colleagues. It is also a good opportunity to reiterate to colleagues who may be thinking about coming out that NewDay is a safe space to do so.
It’s about creating safe spaces and this goes for any minority group — are we there yet?
I think the answer to this is “it depends”. It depends on where you are and the mindsets of those around you. Overall I feel things have improved, but I wouldn’t say we are completely there yet.
One day I will be able to hold my wife’s hand in public without uncertainty of other people’s reactions. One day I won’t feel any hesitation when I mention my wife in conversation for the first time with someone new. When these things happen, I think we will be nearly there.
We’ve heard a lot about allyship — do you feel you have allies across the business?
I haven’t knowingly needed LGBTQ+ allies at NewDay. However, I definitely feel supported here.
Who has been an important Ally in your life?
I think the obvious answer here has to be my parents. They never once made me feel different after I came out and have supported me 100%. They made coming out so easy, and for that I will be forever grateful.
With many Pride events cancelled this year, how might you be marking the occasion?
No doubt I will raise a glass at some point during the summer with my LGBTQ+ friends in honour of Pride.
Aside from that, I have been working with the LGBTQ+ Network from my old University this year to provide guidance and insight from my experiences both personally and in the workplace.
We are also holding an internal panel event this summer in lieu of Pride, which should be a great opportunity to gain an understanding of our colleagues’ experiences over the years and the importance of being yourself at work.
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