Pride at work: DCA members share their celebrations

Pride Month is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ communities, reflect on the progress we’ve made, and recognise the work still to be done to achieve true inclusion and equity. At DCA, we know that creating inclusive workplaces requires sustained commitment, visibility, and action all year round. This Pride Month, we asked some of our member organisations to share what the month means to them, how they are celebrating, and why LGBTQ+ inclusion matters in their workplace. Their stories highlight the importance of leadership, allyship, and ongoing learning in building environments where all people feel safe, respected and valued. Read on to find out how organisations like Tennis Australia, Meli, AGL, and NAB are honouring Pride and advancing inclusion across their workforces and communities.

Tennis Australia

Tennis Australia’s ambition is to be a sport that is welcoming, safe, and inclusive for all Australians. Celebrating Pride Month is an important part of the year, both on and off the court. During Pride Month, Tennis Australia will be engaging our workforce in a fun celebration of Pride which is an opportunity to bring people together in support of allyship. As 12% of our workforce is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, we believe that as an organisation we have a responsibility to ensure that everyone is welcomed and included. We also believe that having a diverse and inclusive workforce enables our organisation to thrive. Our CEO Craig Tiley said: “Inclusivity is at the very core of what we do, and that also involves creating an environment where people feel safe and comfortable to be themselves.” In addition, clubs across Australia will be hosting their Serving Pride events in support of their local LGBTQIA+ community. This initiative provides our grassroots clubs and groups with resources to assist them in engaging with their local LGBTQIA+ community more often so that they can participate in safe and inclusive environments, whether as a social or competitive player, coach, official, club member or volunteer.

Meli

At Meli, Pride Month isn’t about putting up a rainbow logo and calling it a day. It’s a reminder of who we are, who we stand with and for the kind of organisation we want to be. While the work is not always neat and easy, it’s real and it is important. We’re currently working toward Rainbow Tick accreditation, which has given us a valuable opportunity to look at ourselves honestly; what we’re doing well, and where we need to do better. We’re proud to be on this journey, but even prouder of the conversations, reflections and learnings that are happening along the way. We’re focused on making sure our systems, culture, and everyday practices actually support LGBTQIA+ inclusion. One thing we’re especially proud of is the launch of our Gender Affirmation Guidelines and plan template. These were created with the help of our trans and gender diverse colleagues to make sure that any staff member affirming their gender at work is supported and that their colleagues understand the role they play in creating a respectful and inclusive environment. Pride Month gives us a moment to reflect, but the work doesn’t stop on 1 July. We’re passionate about making Meli a place where LGBTQIA+ people feel safe, respected and valued every day of the year.

AGL

AGL Loy Yang recently sponsored the Pride Cup, which celebrates LGBTQ+ communities and serves as a platform to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and support, fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel welcomed and respected. In recognition of Pride Month, AGL Loy Yang is focusing on employees and using insights from the recent Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) survey to turn insights into action. We’re hosting a morning tea and training session with Pride in Diversity (one of our strategic partners) to increase awareness on the lived experience of LGBTQ+ people and empowering employees to become active allies. Each ally can make a difference. Whether it’s attending an event, speaking out against discrimination or lending emotional support to others, allies are helping to make our workplace a better place for everyone.

NAB

This Pride month, NAB is doing more of what we always do – fostering an inclusive environment for all. Our dedication to supporting LGBTQIA+ customers and colleagues is a core value, reflecting our unwavering commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity. Across the month of June, NAB is amplifying our message of inclusion by offering multiple training and awareness opportunities, hosting an intersectional panel in collaboration with our First Nations Employee Resource Group and organising multiple fundraising events for our charity partner BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation. A group of our Executives will also be taking part in a Rainbow Human Library event, where they will hear stories from LGBTQIA+ identifying colleagues. And while this month-long celebration is always vibrant and engaging here at NAB, we take inclusion seriously the other 365 days of the year too. Not only does NAB ensure that LGBTQIA+ colleagues can bring their authentic selves to work, but we also offer products and services tailored to LGBTQIA+ customers, creating a welcoming environment in branches, through our business customer networks, and online. While our Trans and gender diverse banking page has been available to customers for a couple of years, 2025 also saw the official launch of NAB’s More Out and Proud resource hub. This page is designed to help other businesses to build a more inclusive environment for their own LGBTQIA+ employees, customers, clients, and patients. Happy pride month from the team at NAB. Here’s to ongoing commitment and a more equitable future for all.