It's June and that rings in Pride Month worldwide. Flags, windows, logos and the like are beaming at us in rainbow colors, with the rainbow flag symbolizing the LGBTQIA+ movement.
We want to show our colors and signal that we – like Pride Month – stand for openness, equality and tolerance in our society. That's why the Coopers logo will be shining in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple on all social media channels this month.
A little excursion: Where does Pride Month come from?
The history of Pride Month begins on Christopher Street in New York, U.S. In 1969, homo- and transsexuality were considered mental illnesses. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community faced prison or penitentiary. The Mafia sensed a good protection racket with the un-outed and turned the Stonewall Inn, a bar on Christopher Street, into a gay bar. Thus, it became a (more or less) safe haven for LGBTQIA+s. Nevertheless, in June 1969 there were riots that gave the community a boost and more and more people protested against discrimination.
Following this, the worldwide known Christopher Street Day (CSD) was born, and June became Pride Month.
By the way: The first CSD in Europe took place in Switzerland, on 24.06.1978 in Zurich. This year it's on 18.06.2022 in Zurich.
Tolerance and equality at Coopers
One of our Coopers core values is to always see people in what we do. Whether we are talking about internal colleagues, candidates, or clients. Humanity is our credo in all interactions – and there is plenty of that in our job. The basis for this is tolerance and openness to others and to being different. Our Coopers culture reflects that perfectly: we are a diverse bunch, drawn from over 15 nations and speaking at least as many languages. We cultivate a corporate culture that sees everyone for who he or she is and what he or she stands for. This means that we not only accept diversity in every sense – from sexual orientation and ethnicity to age, religion, et cetera – but that we actually endorse and celebrate it. Because it is precisely this diversity that adds up all our strengths, gives us advantages and invigorates our cohesion.
Why do we communicate this in such detail? Because homo- and transphobic violence is unfortunately still present in Switzerland, also among young people. Also, the so-called "conversion therapies" have not been banned yet. So, it is not surprising that discrimination appears at work, too. A good place to go for exchange and help is Pink Cross.
We would like to draw attention to this and take a clear stand against unequal treatment of any kind. We plead for openness and tolerance – and stand up for more LGTBQIA+ rights, in the working world as well as in our society.
What does Pride Month mean to you and your team? Do you participate in parades and demonstrations? We would love to talk with you about this topic and are happy to hear from you via email or on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Xing, Instagram, and Twitter.
Your Coopers family
PS: #wearehiring - and we welcome many applications, including from the LGBTQIA+ community. You can find all internal jobs here.
Photo: Cecilie Johnsen on Unsplash
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