Pride & Joy — A June Reflection
Each June, we see the rainbow flags go up. We hear the words Pride Month in speeches and hashtags, campaign rollouts and company memos.
But underneath the surface, Pride is not just celebration. It’s history. It’s resilience. It’s risk.
For many, it is still an act of defiance to exist out loud.
This year, I’ve been reflecting not just on the courage it takes to resist, but on the strength it takes to feel joy in a world that so often demands silence, apology, or hiding.
Because joy—real, wholehearted joy—is not frivolous.
It’s political. It’s healing. It’s necessary.
And as someone who’s spent decades learning, listening, and standing alongside this community, I’m proud to quietly support again this year as a judge for the INvolve Heroes lists—recognising those helping to make workplaces fairer, safer, and more human for everyone.
I’ve had the privilege of being a judge for over a decade now—and I want to thank @Suki Sandhu OBE and the @Heroes Awards team for continuing to shine a light on the people who are changing the world, from inside the room.
The Quiet Power of Pride — And the Radical Act of Joy
As we celebrate Pride this year, I want to offer a quieter reflection. Not just on rights, but on rest. Not just on protest, but on peace.
I’ve learned through conversations with friends, colleagues, and the community that the right to be joyful—to feel good, at ease, held and heard—is something we cannot take for granted.
We often talk about the fight. The resilience. The strength. But what about the softness? The safety? The space to simply be?
As someone who has held senior leadership roles for decades, I’ve seen how people bloom when they feel seen. I’ve also seen how slowly cultures shift.
This is why, more than ever, I want to create space not just for statements—but for storytelling. For support. For small, daily reminders that you don’t have to shrink to belong.
Protect the Dolls: A Quiet Call to Action
At first glance, “Protect the Dolls” might look like just another slogan on a T-shirt. But behind those three words is a powerful message of love, solidarity, and resistance.
It’s a phrase that’s found its way into culture and community spaces—amplified by voices like Pedro Pascal—and embraced by those who understand that trans women, especially trans women of colour, continue to face disproportionate harm, invisibility, and violence.
To say Protect the Dolls is to say: we see you. We value you. We will fight for you.
Pride Beyond the Logo: Brands That Are Showing Up in 2025
Every June, rainbow logos roll in—and with them, the question:
Is it performative… or is it purposeful?
This year, a few brands are showing what real allyship can look like when it's backed by creativity, community, and contribution.
Levi’s – With a vibrant campaign centred on self-expression and chosen family, and profits supporting LGBTQIA+ youth through The Trevor Project.
Converse – Launching bold designs by LGBTQIA+ creatives, while spotlighting the stories and artistry behind the shoes.
Skullcandy – Pairing limited-edition headphones with donations to The Trevor Project, making inclusion audible and visible.
Betsey Johnson – A nostalgic, glitter-laden celebration of queer joy and personal style, giving a portion of proceeds to GLAAD.
These aren't just Pride collections. They're platforms for visibility, storytelling, and support.
Because Pride isn't just a marketing moment. It's a movement.
And when brands meet it with real investment and intention—we notice
The Future Is Bright — and Boldly Inclusive
Every movement needs trailblazers. People who aren’t just dreaming of a better future—but building it, day by day, with courage and heart.
The British LGBT+ Awards 2025 just released their Top 10 Future Leaders—and it’s a list full of vision, impact, and unapologetic pride.
Top 10 Future Leaders 2025:
Ashley Garcia – GSK
Aurelia Brue – Deutsche Bank
Cameron Mair – Dentsu
Dylan Francis – Clifford Chance
Harpreet Padam – JPMorgan Chase
Jasper Clarke – Warner Bros Discovery
Marcel Grant – BT
Miles Thomas – Civil Service
Ross MacLennan – Legal & General
Shannon Hynes – Macquarie
These are individuals pushing for change in workplaces, boardrooms, creative studios, and policy spaces—making it safer and more possible for others to follow.
To each and every person on this list: thank you.
Thank you for choosing to lead visibly.
Thank you for showing up with integrity.
Thank you for reminding us that change often begins with one voice—and becomes unstoppable when we raise them together.
10 Companies Leading the Way in Inclusion
Every year, the British LGBT+ Awards highlights the brands, people and organisations actively shaping a more inclusive world.
This year’s Top 10 Inclusive Employers list reads like a who’s who of businesses doing the real work—not just rainbow logos, but policies, culture shifts, and powerful allyship that show up year-round.
2025 Inclusive Employer Honourees:
Accenture
bp
BT Group
Clifford Chance
Deloitte
GSK
HSBC
JP Morgan
Macquarie
Sky
These aren’t just big names. They’re workplaces that have earned trust. Who’ve worked to create spaces where people feel seen, safe, and valued.
It’s never been more important to celebrate companies that are serious about inclusion—not just in June, but in every decision, every room, every opportunity.
Well done to all those listed—and to the many individuals inside these organisations who champion inclusion daily, not because it’s easy, but because it matters.
🧡 My Pledge, 35 Years On
“I don’t need to be you to stand with you.”
More than three decades ago, I made a quiet internal promise to stand with the LGBTQ+ community—not just in June, but always. That promise has only deepened over time.
We’ll be sharing my Allyship Pledge again this month—one that’s been seen and shared over 1 million times. Not because it’s perfect. But because it’s lived.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that real allyship means being in the room and speaking up. It means checking your own blind spots. It means staying in the conversation, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Especially when it’s uncomfortable.
Pride & Joy Playlist — What’s Shaped Me
As someone who believes learning never ends, here are some books, sounds, and stories that have shaped how I show up as an ally—and a human:
Books that cracked me open:
Maurice – E.M. Forster (quiet dignity in forbidden love)
Giovanni’s Room – James Baldwin (aching brilliance)
It Takes Blood & Guts – Skin (a personal heroine of mine)
Music that lifts and liberates:
“Vogue” – Madonna
“Rush” – Troye Sivan
“Born This Way” – Lady Gaga
“Call Me By Your Name” – Lil Nas X
🔗 From the Archives – 5 Moments Worth Revisiting:
Pride Panel Conversation with Ella Slade, Ankit Bhuptani, Nikki Symmons—and little Ellie-Sky 🍼 Watch the Panel
Bringing 200% of Yourself – A reflection on how we ask people to show up fully, and what that really means.
Read the original newsletterJoy as a Daily Practice – On glimmers, small joys, and how we ground ourselves.
Read the postSelf-love actions that matter – A reminder that joy starts with care.
See the listHappiness at Work – Because inclusion also means joy, purpose, and feeling like you matter.
Read the piece
What Would the World Look Like If Everyone Felt Safe to Be Themselves?
We’ll be asking this question throughout June. And I’d love to hear from you.
Imagine it: a world where no one had to come out, because everyone already belonged. Where your joy didn’t have to be explained. Where your truth wasn’t something to be proven. Where you could just be.
What would that world look like? What would it feel like? What can we do—today—to help create it?
We’ll share your reflections in a future carousel. Feel free to message or tag me.
A Note to Fellow Leaders: Inclusion Is Not a Slogan
If you lead a team, a company—or even just a conversation around the dinner table—please don’t let Pride be performative.
It’s not about rainbow logos.
It’s about policy. Sponsorship. Psychological safety. Listening.
It’s about asking: Who’s not in the room? And what can I do about that?
Because in a world where the Big White Straight Guys seem to be ruling everything, louder than ever—we don’t need to shrink, soften, or cover more of who we are.
We need to bring 100% of ourselves into the light.
For connection. For courage. For the sake of humanity.
This month is a celebration—but it’s also a reminder:
Joy is not a luxury. It’s not a bonus.
It’s part of what we fight for.
To everyone still figuring it out.
To everyone who’s known forever and had to defend it.
To everyone standing beside those they love, even when it’s hard—
Happy Pride.
With love. And with joy.
— Harriet