How to Be a Good Ally and Other News From Pride Month 2018
Throughout June, the firm’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employee affinity network hosted events in celebration of Pride Month in the Americas and EMEA. Held to commemorate the history of LGBT rights, annual Pride events celebrate the contributions of members of the LGBT community to society and the firm.
Pride Month kicked off with a Talks at GS with legendary television producer, writer, and director Darren Star, who talked about creating iconic shows – from Sex and the City to Younger – and how he has used narratives to tackle important societal issues of the times.
Other events included a panel moderated by Stephen Scherr, head of the Consumer and Commercial Banking Division, on the career journeys of several Goldman Sachs colleagues, as well as a discussion with leading transgender advocates, which was moderated by Jennifer Barbetta, a managing director in our Investment Management Division. The discussion highlighted how to talk openly about gender identity and indicate that you are a trans-ally in the workplace.
In Hong Kong, Goldman Sachs employees showed their pride by participating in a Community TeamWorks project in the community of Tai O, volunteering with LGBT families. In EMEA, Pride Month was celebrated with a series of discussions and events, including employees participating in marches in Warsaw and London.
The firm’s LGBT Network seeks to encourage openness and inclusion at the firm throughout the year. Network members and colleagues shared tips for being a good ally, including:
1. Attend LGBT community events and bring a colleague, friend, or family member;
2. Take time to assess your mentor/mentee list and proactively seek out an LGBT mentee or mentor;
3. Listen and learn – use inclusive language, be respectful and be open to understanding the experiences of others;
4. Avoid making assumptions - have an expansive view of a family;
5. Voice your role as an ally to indicate your support for LGBT colleagues and your willingness to engage in discussion.