Walking up the stairs to the
Ballroom, I finally had an insight into how Cinderella must have felt; around me
were the elite of the elite all gathered in their best suits and dresses. The
excitement in the air was practically palpable! Unlike Cinderella’s Ball
however, these people weren’t gathered to witness an example of stereotypical
love but were here to witness Pride in Diversity’s annual AWEI awards and
business luncheon, celebrating companies whose policies promoted equality and
supported their LGBT employees.
As the luncheon started, it was
clear that the various businesses gathered weren’t in attendance purely for the
incredible food or the plentiful alcohol but because they truly believed in
equality and in supporting their LGBT employees. What was surprising about this wasn’t how
devoted these businesses were, but the number of businesses devoted to
equality. Filling the ballroom were some of the most influential and successful
people of Australia, representing companies and organizations that were at the
top of their respective fields.
As the luncheon progressed and
the awards were handed out, it was both humbling and inspiring to hear just how
far these powerful companies had gone to ensure equitable treatment of all
their employees. These practices alone would be enough to make anyone proud of
Australian businesses, but it was the actions of one of our national banks that
inspired me the most. Out of their thousands of employees, this bank chose to
recognize the work and commitment of one of their lowest level employees and
his passion from promoting equality both within and outside his work. What was amazing about this young man wasn’t
just his passion but how his employers both supported and encouraged his
commitment for promoting equality in his workplace in community.
With only a semester to go until
I graduate and start working for the Catholic Education system, I know my
employers are unlikely to be as supportive and encouraging of my passion for
equality and inclusiveness. However, just knowing that there are others out
there devoted to a cause like my own, gives me enough hope that one day I too
might help in creating an education system that values and supports the lives
of not only its students but its employers as well.
- Matt
