Pride Month has been a great platform to open up conversations about what Pride means to us as individuals and as an organisation. We reflected on the history of the month in our article Celebrating Pride Month at Homage and what it means to be an ally. We also took the time to discuss what Pride means to the care community, in particular around the need for healthcare organisations to provide “safe care” – and why providing care that acknowledges, respects and values the diverse needs of each person is so essential to the community.
We sat down with a few members of the team to chat about what Pride means to them and how they support the LGBTQIA+ community. The core message across the teams was that Pride is about feeling safe and comfortable to be one’s true self, openly and honestly.
What does “Pride” mean to you?
“Pride means recognising and embracing the differences that make each person unique – their story, identity, and experience” RJ, Supply Engagement Executive.
“Pride for me is all about being able to be my full and true self safely and freely. It’s being able to be part of many different communities that celebrate myself and my loved ones for being who we are. It’s about being unapologetic for who I love and how I identify and having the freedom to change and be fluid in those choices.” Chanel, General Support Associate.
“Pride to me means creating a better society for the future generation (and of course for today’s generation), so everyone can be proud of themself regardless of who they are!” Eriko, Marketing Associate.
“Pride for me is being able to stand out in a room full of people where one is “suppose” to fit in according to the standard of heteronormative society. Being a brown Muslim gay boy from south India, travelling around the world I could never fit in, which brought so much uncertainty in my life, and I always tried to fit in everywhere I went, but I never succeeded. However, the day I decided to own up to who I am and take pride in my true authentic self the world around me turned peaceful, little things started making sense and anxiety turned into excitement. There are currently 7,868,872,451 humans in the world and each and every single one of them is different. The day I realised I wasn’t born to fit in, instead I was born to stand out, my world changed. Today I am 100% my true authentic self and I encourage people around me to be the same, so for me pride is a way of living your true authentic self!” Syed, Live Operations Executive.
“For me, Pride is about supporting, encouraging and fostering environments so people feel comfortable to be their true selves.” Lechée, Marketing Manager.
How do you support the LGBTQIA+ community?
The team shared the ways in which they support the community which includes both practical and emotional ways. RJ chooses to spend his time and money at LGBTQIA+ friendly venues and businesses. As well as supporting small businesses, Chanel asks and uses people’s correct pronouns. She is also continuing her own personal education on the community and making sure the people around her know she’s approachable to ask questions. Lechée also clarified pronouns, and uses inclusive language, being mindful not to make assumptions about anyone. Syed volunteers at Thorn Harbour and hosts his own podcast show called “Brown Boy Adventures”, with the goal of sharing his own stories about how being his true authentic self has helped him in many ways.
What makes Homage an LGBTQIA+ friendly workplace?
We are proud to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion which starts at the recruitment process. When Syed first spoke to Homage about his role, one of his priority questions was about the diversity and inclusive policy. “It was explained to me that there are people at Homage from different backgrounds, cultures and countries which made me feel so comfortable. Throughout the interview process I saw different faces and accents which was even more satisfying and when I joined everyone was so welcoming and friendly and in no time I feel like I’ve made lifelong connections”.
For RJ it’s the way Homage normalises people’s preferences and creates a dialogue that is inclusive. The environment “makes people feel welcome and able to talk about their experience without fear of judgement or ridicule.” Both Eriko and Chanel agree that the large range of people from all backgrounds employed by Homage makes it a very diverse and inclusive environment. “The leadership team is open and very approachable. By being involved in Pride month we are on the way to be a very inclusive community” says Chanel.
Caring is the heart of Homage
At Homage, “we care” is at the heart of all of our actions. “Acknowledging and celebrating Pride Month is important because everybody should feel comfortable and safe being themselves wherever they are” says Wolf, Head of Strategic Operations. Our Homage values of caring extend to every member of the Homage community including our employees, our care providers, our care partners and our care recipients. We are proud to be allies of Pride Month.
If you would like to be part of the Homage family, check out our available roles across Australia or register now to become a Homage Care Professional as a Support Worker or Nurse today.
Become a member of team Homage
Join our diverse and fun team! Check out our Australian and global vacancies here.
Become a Homage Care Professional
Are you an experienced Care Professional in Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth? Looking to be part of a supportive team providing care to your community? We would love you to join us! Sign up with Homage and work when, where and for as long as you want!
Apply now here or chat to the team at +61 480 093 788. Do you have a friend or family member who is a Care Professional? Refer your friends/family to join our team.
