Diageo’s LGBT Employee Resource Group, the Rainbow Network, is focused on raising the profile of LGBT issues as well as the broader inclusion and diversity agenda. The group’s purpose is “to unleash the potential that being able to be yourself can bring to all of our lives and to Diageo’s performance ambition.”

The aim is to create a culture that is purposeful and celebrates diversity within Diageo and its brands.

For Pride Month, Diageo's Global Rainbow Network organized a series of virtual activities to mark this important event in the LGBT calendar to both raise awareness of serious issues and to celebrate the diversity of this community.

Marking the start of Pride Month with flag raising

Diageo started the month with the global Pride flag raising. All Diageo's markets acknowledged the start of June by having the rainbow flag on display at distilleries, offices and production sites around the world.

Sharing stories across a global network 

Next, the Network hosted a ‘Human Library’ networking session which was aimed at bringing together colleagues and allies from all Diageo's markets to connect with people who they wouldn’t normally have access to. Employees in the Rainbow Networks from Africa to India to Mexico and beyond were able to interact, share stories and discuss what Pride Month means for them.

Raising awareness of HIV via a panel

What followed was an HIV awareness session organised by the Rainbow network partnering with the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT). THT is a British charity that campaigns about and provides services relating to HIV and sexual health.

The session was hosted by a panel of colleagues and friends from across the world and explored key themes raised in the UK’s Channel 4 show It’s a Sin which so many were touched and educated by earlier this year.

Exploring issues of trans and gender expansive rights

The Network then hosted an Allyship session on being Trans and Gender Expansive with the Transgender Law Center, The LGBT Center and The Human Rights Campaign. They explored the issues of trans and gender expansive rights, including public policy, parenting and allyship.

Enjoying a virtual Drag Queen Bingo

Diageo wrapped up the month with a virtual Drag Queen Bingo hosted by none other than Alyssa Edwards, the breakout superstar of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The event was kicked off with a cocktail making class to create a delicious Pride Cocktail from Smirnoff.

Work for a company committed to diversity and inclusion 

At Diageo, conversations surrounding diverisity and inclusion continue beyond the month of June and the company pledges to keep celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community every day, everywhere.

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