What pride means to me, Matthew Emmerson

What Pride means to an individual is a powerful question, everyone has their own opinion depending on their own identity, experiences, and values. For me however Pride provides a ‘safe space’ for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community and a celebration of the progress that has been made in society regarding acceptance and equality, something that generations before me did not benefit from. Pride is recognition of the rights that were fought for and have made it possible for us to live more openly which must be protected for the future generations.

It is wonderful to see that today we see Pride events happening across the UK in towns and cities where it would have been unbelievable to think possible and shows solidarity against those who are actively seeking to fight against the progress that has been made.

When I reflect on a career now spanning more than 20 years in Real Estate, the difference in attitudes towards those that are ‘openly out’ at work is an example of positive change. I spent the early days of my career keeping my identity a secret for the worry that it would restrict progression or opportunity. The accessibility and visibility of Pride in recent years along with the various support groups for LGBTQ+ people have undoubtedly assisted me to feel more comfortable with my sexuality and believe that it is not a hurdle.

I hope that the expressions posted by me and colleagues over the past weeks have proven that Allsop is a supportive and welcoming business for us to thrive and develop equally.