Celebrating Pride at PS

Bruna Camargo
She/Her/Hers

How would you describe PRIDE/Égalité’s purpose?

The main purpose of PRIDE/Égalité to me is connecting to, inspiring, and being inspired by other LGBTQ+ folks you wouldn’t necessarily get to know in your day-to-day work life. It gives us a chance to learn more about what drives us, what is missing, and what we can do to ensure our queer co-workers are being treated fairly and respectfully. That level of respect can then spill over to our local communities through projects, panels, donation drives, etc. We also have a ton of FUN between planning and executing events, and sometimes just listening and talking through certain important topics and issues.

What inspired you to join PRIDE/Égalité?

I am inspired by any group in which people come together out of sheer, dumb passion. So, when I first learned about the wonderful work PRIDE/Égalité was putting together in the “after-hours,” I was immediately drawn in. I wanted to be a part of it as well, as an LGBTQ+ community member and ally, to effect positive change in our workplace and beyond. 

What advice would you give a co-worker who wants to be a stronger ally to the LGBTQ+ community?

Join a PRIDE/Égalité chapter in your area and if you don’t have one yet–start it. There is so much help and inspiration to go around from this amazing group of people! You will be amazed by the rewarding experiences PRIDE/Égalité is able to provide.

Jamie Barrell
He/Him/His

How would you describe PRIDE/Égalité’s purpose?

Égalité's purpose is to enhance our company's reputation as an employer of choice for LGBTQ+ employees and their allies by promoting equality in the workplace, supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and helping to develop leaders who can elevate our clients' brands within the hearts and minds of the LGBTQ+ community. We also want to create a safe space for our LGBTQ+ employees so that they can be their true authentic selves within the working environment.

What inspired you to join PRIDE/Égalité?

At first, I just wanted to join Égalité for the social aspect and to meet other LGBTQ+ employees to connect with. I quickly started to get more involved and my journey with the BRG developed into what it is today and I am so glad I took the leap to attend that first event! I decided to continue being a part of Égalité as I could see all of the great work that could be done and what needed to be done.

What are some meaningful examples of allyship and action you've seen within Publicis Sapient?

For me, allyship is a doing word and the most meaningful examples are how many allies that are a part of our Égalité UK Board. They don’t necessarily experience the issues that the LGBTQ+ community may face, but they are willing to educate others and stand in solidarity with us for change. One other example that happened recently was when I was delivering Publicis Sapient Start training and next to my name I had displayed my pronouns. One of the attendees pinged me to ask what this was and asked me to explain it to the group. I explained what pronouns are and how they also show solidarity with the community to let them know they are in a safe space. To see people start changing their display names brought so much pride and warmth to me. 

Jocelyn Huelsman
She/Her/Hers

How would you describe PRIDE/Égalité's purpose?

To create an environment where current and new employees clearly see there is strong support for the LGBTQ+ community and that they are in a workplace that wants them to thrive both in their career and as their true selves.

How has PRIDE/Égalité made you feel inspired or included?

Just seeing PRIDE/Égalité grow and members connect is inspiring. Hopefully, it continues and even more regions/offices want to join and inspire others. 

What advice would you give a co-worker who wants to be a stronger ally to the LGBTQ+ community?

Listen and be vocal 😊 First, be a good listener and learn the concerns and desires of the LGBTQ+ community and your co-workers. Second, be vocal about your support. Let co-workers know you are there for them. Use what you’ve learned to assess your work environment and champion what can be done to make things more inclusive for everyone.

Jane Doku
She/Her/Hers

What inspired you to join PRIDE/Égalité?

If last year taught us anything it’s how important it is to amplify the voices of people who have perspectives and experiences that we can all learn from. I joined PRIDE as co-lead for the Toronto office to not only learn from the LGBTQ+ community but to show my support as a staunch ally. Toronto has a vibrant community that I’m proud to help shine the spotlight on. 

How has PRIDE/Égalité made you feel inspired or included?

I’m most inspired by listening to the stories and experiences of members of the LGBTQ+ community. Earlier this year for LGBTQ+ Awareness Week I hosted a session where we watched the Ted Talk “Why You Should Bring Your Whole Self to Work” after which we had an insightful discussion. 

What advice would you give a co-worker who wants to be a stronger ally to the LGBTQ+ community?

First and foremost, listen with compassion. Also, it’s important to do the work to confront your own biases (it’ll feel uncomfortable but that’s OK and expected!)

Shruti Prakash
She/Her/Hers

What inspired you to join PRIDE/Égalité?

I joined to learn about PRIDE and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, to make an impact on the PS community by helping to create a more inclusive environment, and to spread awareness about marginalized communities.

How has PRIDE/Égalité made you feel inspired or included?

Their goal for an inclusive workspace creates an atmosphere that welcomes all opinions on the table.

What are some meaningful examples of allyship and action you've seen within Publicis Sapient?

PS hires individuals based on pure talent without a gender, nationality, religion, disability, or any other bias.

Satyam Sharma
She/Her/Hers

How would you describe PRIDE/Égalité’s purpose?

We started the PRIDE chapter in India as a forum to share ideas, stories, provide support and run activities pertaining to LGBTQ+, leading to openness, acceptance, equality, inclusion, and empowerment. I feel we have been true to the core purpose of the PRIDE BRG and have built a strong network of allies. Under Vieshaka’s leadership, we have curated annual activities and events which have made PRIDE a mainstream topic. We have partnered with an external organization, Working with Pride, where Publicis Sapient sponsors their flagship program Leading with Pride. This has helped a lot of people from the community to become leaders in their space.

What inspired you to join PRIDE/Égalité?

I have been part of PRIDE BRG since December 2018, my driving force is to help create a safe environment, where everyone feels respected, valued, and are welcomed. A place where an individual can be their true self! One is a better ally not by creating acceptance but a lot by being genuine and building awareness and education. When I started this journey, I had limited knowledge about the community, all I knew was that I can be an ally, I have built awareness by learning more and spreading the word. By being an ally, I am committed to the idea of equality, respect, and happiness in our workplace.

What are some meaningful examples of allyship and action you've seen within Publicis Sapient?

I have seen a lot of leaders from India take time to actively coach individuals from the community as part of the Leading with Pride program. Every program that we launch as part of PRIDE BRG is welcomed with equal enthusiasm and participation from the leadership team. They are allies not just in words but in day-to-day actions as well.

Keeping pronouns in their signature is also another example where we ask individuals to inform about their gender identity rather than assuming.