June is Pride Month, observed annually to honor the LGBTQIAP+ rights movement and celebrate LGBTQIAP+ culture. This month, we’re taking time to recognize and honor the contributions of the Pride community to our organization. Throughout the month, teammates will have the opportunity to attend events and learning sessions organized by our Pride at Work business resource group, as well as volunteer with local organizations in their communities.
Additionally, every Tuesday, we highlighted a different member of our Pride at Work business resource group. Continue reading to hear their thoughts on the significance of this month and what being a part of Pride at Work means to them.
Priyanka, HR Consultant, India
“Pride Month holds great significance to me as it symbolizes a time of celebration, visibility, and advocacy for the LGBTQIAP+ community. It is a reminder of the courageous individuals who have fought and continue to fight for equality, justice, and acceptance. Pride Month is a powerful platform to raise awareness, educate others, and promote inclusivity and reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive organization for all.
I joined Pride at Work as an ally because I firmly believe in the importance of workplace equality and fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. The LGBTQIAP+ community faces unique challenges in the workplace, particularly in a country like India where the community still faces significant struggles. I saw an opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion through Pride at Work, and work towards creating safer and more affirming workspaces. I wanted to be part of a collective effort to ensure that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive and succeed in their professional lives. Allies play a crucial role in challenging stereotypes, dispelling myths, and promoting understanding within their communities and workplaces, and I wanted to be one of them.
Being a member of Pride at Work means being part of a vibrant community that shares a common goal of advancing LGBTQIAP+ equality in the workplace. It means collaborating with like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating change, driving inclusion, and challenging systemic barriers and supporting each other in navigating the complexities of the workplace. Pride at Work is not only about raising awareness, but also about acting, driving tangible progress, and fostering a sense of belonging for all employees. Being a member means being an ally, an advocate, and a catalyst for positive change, both within our within our organization and beyond.”
Amanda, Product Manager, Minneapolis
“To me, Pride Month is about celebrating and supporting ourselves and others in the LGBTQIAP+ community. It’s a time to share history and knowledge, and to show up and express to others that being part of that community is nothing to be ashamed of.
I have been with Thomson Reuters for over 18 years now, currently a product manager for cases content. Joining Pride at Work was a natural step for me to show my support and meet like-minded people. I have had friends and acquaintances who are part of the LGBTQIAP+ community for almost as long as I can remember and have questioned the negativity and violence that folks in that community face since I was a young child.
When I joined Pride at Work, it was an ally, but in the years since, not only have I recognized my own queerness, but have supported other family members as they have come out as well. When another family member was the victim of a hate crime, I knew I had to act so I became much more active in Pride at Work.
Being an active member of Pride at Work has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done at Thomson Reuters. It is very personal for me, and I’ve been able to use my family’s story as a way of reaching out to others who might be in a similar situation. It’s a way of sharing information, support, and friendship with others at Thomson Reuters.”
Laura, QA Engineer, Brazil
“Working at Thomson Reuters means not being afraid to be yourself! At least for me, that is what it means. As a member of the LGBTQIAP+ community, fear is almost a natural emotion – scared of people, of the treatment, of the environment. At Thomson Reuters, I have never felt afraid. The work environment is welcoming, and there is no judgment over sexual orientation, gender, or expression.
With Thomson Reuters business resource groups, we find people who support and understand us and allow for sharing experiences and bonding, which is energizing and liberating. Being able to focus on work, get recognition for results, and be surrounded by good people without judgment or preconceptions is an incredible motivator. At Thomson Reuters, it doesn’t matter who or what you are; the impact you can make is what matters.”
Julius, Learning Specialist, Manila
“I’ve been with Thomson Reuters coming up on eight years this November in our Manila office. As a Learning Specialist for Customer to Cash-Credit & Collections, I ensure alignment with processes across the business unit, which includes onboarding new teammates, enhancing the onboarding program, and creating learning curriculums.
I joined Pride at Work during my second year at Thomson Reuters. I connected with the vision of the business resource group and felt that it should resonate with everyone, LGBTQIAP+ and allies alike, and wanted to be a part of that impact. Now I am a co-lead of the Pride at Work Manila chapter. Being a co-lead is not just an extracurricular activity for me—it’s a journey with a responsibility that I aim to pass on to future aspiring leads.
During Pride Month, I like to celebrate and be grateful for our successes, no matter how small. Pride is also a responsibility. Our actions have an impact on others. And most importantly, pride is love—love for ourselves, our craft, our partners, and our families. Let’s spread love unconditionally during this month and year-round.”
Fernanda, Senior Technical Recruiter, Mexico City
“Reflecting on the past five years of my life, I define it as an adventure. Being Non-Binary has been one of the most challenging experiences I’ve faced. Raised by conservative parents, I denied my true self for a long time. However, realizing that my nature doesn’t make me different – rather, it makes me feel more alive and connected – has been liberating. Embracing the fluidity of my identity has allowed me to feel like a complete person, floating along the spectrum with the validation that I am always me.
I’ve always valued diversity, seeing it as the most enriching way to truly live. Pride is not just a month, but a lifestyle for me. It’s about helping others understand that being different is positive and not threatening. It’s about choosing the freedom to be yourself.
Fortunately, I’ve found a true community and a safe space here at Thomson Reuters. It’s a place where we can be authentic, share openly, be without judgment, and not feel the need to hide. This kind of supportive environment is what I believe every community should have, and I’m grateful to have found it here.”
Nick, Sales Executive, London
“As a Sales Executive at Thomson Reuters, I am responsible for helping legal teams in the public sector, including charities, government departments, local authorities, and non-profit organizations ensure they have the right content. My interest in sales began at a young age, with various part-time sales roles over the years.
After graduating from university, I joined British Airways in a sales support role, where I found my passion for building relationships with customers. This led me to my first role at Thomson Reuters where I have been for the past 18 years, starting as a temp in marketing services before moving on to the print renewal team, selling print subscriptions to the legal market. From there, my career progressed through a series of sales roles, selling online content and software to academics, corporates, and law firms.
I always had a passion for employee resource groups, which is part of the reason why I am a co-chair of the Pride at Work UK business resource group. I remember when I first joined Thomson Reuters, I was not comfortable with anyone knowing I was gay because it was something that just was not discussed, and I always felt that I needed to be someone else so I could fit in. Fast forward 18 years – this is the reason why we have these business resource groups, so everyone can be their best selves and feel supported. Thomson Reuters business resource groups have played an important role in shaping a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
One of the biggest obstacles I have faced throughout my professional career has been to just be comfortable with being myself. It has been a journey to overcome others’ perceptions of LGBTQIAP+ individuals, but we are in a much better place than we were before, and there are things we can still do to improve. I have been on a great journey at Thomson Reuters, and it keeps getting better.”
Thanks to Priyanka, Amanda, Laura, Julius, Fernanda, and Nick for sharing their thoughts on Pride Month and the importance of business resource groups like Pride at Work.
