James Overstall, solicitor in the M&S legal team
“Pride represents an opportunity to celebrate unashamedly who we are. Pride events are times for celebration: full of joy, connection, colour and life. But Pride is also an occasion to reflect on the huge advances in equality achieved through brave campaigning over the years – 2019 marks 50 years since the Stonewall Inn riots in Greenwich Village, New York, a pivotal moment for us. Pride is also about remembering that prejudice, shame and stigma continue to exist and helping to further break down barriers, including towards our bisexual and trans family. Much work remains to be done, so Pride is an important time for us to unite and demonstrate the strength of our community.”
Victoria McKenzie-Gould, corporate communications director
“As sponsor for the LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusivity network at M&S, my role is to champion, promote and support the colleague group and its activities, and to be a visible role model for equality in the business, helping to ensure our culture allows everyone to reveal their true selves at work. On a personal level, it matters because I believe that everyone should be free to be themselves and to love whomever they love, but also as a business we are more successful when everyone’s full potential is realised.”
Interviews: Dulcie Emerson / Images: Michael Gayton / Styling: Tamala Ayres