As an LGBTQ+ Network Leader,
I have seen how we can influence in our organisation and actively work to ensure we are even more LGBTQ+ inclusive. Through stories told over the years by individuals who have benefitted from these improvements, I know they aren’t just limited to benchmark scores. They have real, lasting impact to people, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ+. The Proud Science Alliance is a great opportunity to ensure we are raising the bar of LGBTQ+ inclusion across our industry by lifting each other up through sharing good practice and working together to achieve more than we could if we acted alone.

Through the Proud Science Alliance, we have an amazing opportunity to collaborate across the Pharma and Life Sciences industry to share our own company’s endeavours in breaking down barriers; but furthermore, to stretch ourselves and our industry to become leaders in creating a culture of openness, tolerance, inclusion and diversity across the sector.

By working together will we ensure that our current and future employees are equally valued, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation; so that they are comfortable to bring their true self to work every day and to be the best they can be.

In recent decades the law in the UK and elsewhere has been a powerful driver of positive change for the LGBTQ+ minorities, strengthening the framework for equality in the workplace and beyond. However, if we are to continue the progress of LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and truly engage the full potential or this employee group, I believe we must go beyond a cultural baseline of tolerance. The inclusion goal must move to an employee culture that positively celebrates the diverse perspectives brought to the workplace by LGBTQ+ employees. A central aspect to achieving such further progress is the empowerment of LGBTQ+ employees to bring their whole selves to work. Through the shared learning of the network, the Proud Science Alliance aims to enable a work environment across the sector that ensures psychological safety and supports positive visibility for LGBTQ+ employees, so that the diverse contributions that this group brings to the workplace can indeed be celebrated.

I see the Proud science alliance as being a strong collective voice for the LGBTQ+ community in the health and life sciences sector. As a communications professional and member of GSK’s LGBTQ+ networks leadership team, I see the power of like-minded individuals coming together to support one another and be a catalyst for change. I truly believe through the Proud Science Alliance we can raise the bar on LGBTQ+ inclusivity and increase awareness on the issues our community face.