Pride at Progress
We're delighted to have once again celebrated Pride Month at Progress Housing Group.
This year, it's an extra special celebration, as Pride celebrates its 50th anniversary.
We hear from some of our colleagues, tenants and supporters about how they celebrate Pride, why Pride Month is so important in raising awareness of the issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities, and about LGBTQ+ visibility at Progress Housing Group.
“I feel very lucky to be part of a diverse team of people from many different backgrounds, experience and circumstances. I have colleagues within Progress Housing Group who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, which is a first for me, but more importantly, I really feel that I am part of a fantastic team and company!”
– Susannah, Progress Lifeline Alarm Response Centre Operator
Read Susannah's blog - visit our stories of Equality and Diversity at Progress Housing Group
“Experience tells me that having visible LGBTQ+ role models can have a transformative impact on creating a truly inclusive workplace - helping us to develop and deliver truly inclusive services.
“Visible LGBTQ+ colleagues within the organisation help others see that being from a minority group isn’t a hindrance to success at all levels in the workplace. I think role models help show it is ok to be you and that there are no limits on what anyone can achieve. Role models that cut through mental health, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and disability all help to break down barriers and challenge misconceptions.”
– Neil, Non-Executive Director, Progress Housing Group
Read Neil's blog - visit our stories of Equality and Diversity at Progress Housing Group
“At Progress Lifeline, we have found that diversity and innovation go hand-in-hand. Our differences open us up to various perspectives, experiences, and opinions. Our team is able to share ideas and come up with original solutions in a more creative way.
“Not only does inclusivity benefit our colleagues, but it also helps us improve the services we provide to our customers. Having a diverse team gives us a fantastic platform to show empathy towards our diverse customer base. We are well equipped to meet the varied needs of our customers who vary across age, gender, sexuality, race, and ability, amongst other factors.”
– Loraine, Director, Progress Lifeline
Read Loraine's blog - visit our stories of Equality and Diversity at Progress Housing Group
“I've developed an enormous appreciation for the people who have sacrificed their privacy, time, and, sadly, in too many instances, their lives.
“Pride means so much more to me now than it ever did. Whilst the partying is fun, and I love celebrating my community, I am forever reminded of our history and the crusaders that paved the way for my freedom to love who I want to love.”
– Rachael, Progress Lifeline Alarm Response Centre Team Leader
Read Rachael's blog - visit our stories of Equality and Diversity at Progress Housing Group
"I came out in 1985 when I was 19, although my family told me they already knew! My mum was amazing, especially when I faced homophobia in my workplace in my early 20s. She told me to walk back into work with my head held high and be proud of who I am. And I did – she gave me the strength to do that. She was an amazing person.
“We’ve come a long way since the 1980s though; nowadays, I can go to the gym safely and be entirely accepted for who I am. But back in the ‘80s, I would never have stepped foot in a gym as they were seen as places where you had to be macho.
"During Pride Month, both my gym and Fylde Council now display the Pride flag. That means such a lot. Just knowing you are welcome and supported makes such a difference.”
– Andrew, Tenant, Progress Housing Group
Read our tenant Andrew's story on our website here
“Our Typhoons RUFC members come from all strands of diversity. LGBTQ+, straight, male, female, trans, those with disabilities, and from many backgrounds. I’m proud of the friendly, supportive culture we have created and how our club now engages with the community.
“Over the years, I’ve learned that Pride means different things to different people. It’s a celebration of everything we’ve achieved as a community and recognition of the challenges previous generations have faced so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.
“It’s a protest, appreciating that whilst some of us enjoy equality, so many others in the world do not. It’s also a perfect excuse to meet friends, have fun and celebrate being yourself, no matter who you are or how you identify.”
- Kris, Typhoons RUFC (proudly sponsored by Progress Housing Group)
Read Kris' guest blog for Pride Month on our website here
WATCH: Pride Month 2022 at Progress Housing Group
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