Embracing LGBTQ+ Allyship: Taking the First Step Towards Inclusion

The month of June, also known as Pride Month, celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, where people from all walks of life come together to recognise and support their achievements, struggles and resilience in the face of constant adversities.

Honoring LGBTQ+ Contributions and Fostering a Supportive Environment

Pride Month presents a significant occasion to honor and recognise the invaluable contributions made by our LGBTQ+ team members, partners and customers globally.

As part of our continual efforts to acknowledge and appreciate the unique diversity of our stakeholders, Rakuten has continuously taken part in various events like the Tokyo Pride Parade 2023 and introducing LGBTQ+ centric strategies across Rakuten’s group services.

The Transformative Power of Allyship

Allyship plays a pivotal role in creating a society that embraces and uplifts every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In the context of Pride Month, allyship entails standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for their rights and actively working towards a more inclusive and equitable world. Therefore, to create an inclusive and safe environment for our LGBTQ+ friends and family, it is important for us to be effective allies and be the cog of change for the community.

Being Allies in the Workplace

Allies are critical to making workplaces safe, welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQ+ people. It can directly combat the challenges they face daily and be the collective help that creates more comfortable and safe office environment for them. Here are some first steps we can take as individuals:

Be Respectful and Inclusive:

Treat everyone with respect and dignity regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Avoid making assumptions or stereotyping individuals based on their appearance or behaviours.

Support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs):

Encourage the establishment of LGBTQ+ ERGs or affinity groups in your workplace. Show support by attending events, participating in discussions and amplifying their voices. Rakuten’s LGBT Network is an example of our continuous efforts to include the community while championing for equal rights.

Use Inclusive Language:

Be mindful of the language you use in the workplace. Avoid using derogatory slurs or jokes that target LGBTQ+ individuals. Use inclusive language that acknowledges and respects different identities such as neutral nouns like “partner”. Using “partner” allows everyone to talk inclusively about someone they might be married to or dating without assuming one’s orientation.

Recognise and Celebrate LGBTQ+ Events:

Acknowledge and celebrate LGBTQ+ events and milestones, such as sharing posts that celebrate Pride Month or engaging in Pride related events such as the screening of LGBTQ+ themed movies in the Rakuten Asia office.

Embracing LGBTQ+ allyship is a crucial step towards fostering a safe and welcoming workplace, combating challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity. Pride Month serves as a powerful reminder to honor and recognise the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals, both within our organisation and globally. Let us continue to support employee resource groups, use inclusive language, and celebrate LGBTQ+ events, demonstrating our commitment to a diverse and supportive environment for all. Together, we can make a difference and create lasting change.