Being LGBTQ+ in the Workplace - Josh Pooley

(2 min read)

Josh is a advanced data fellowship apprentice at Capco and a chair for our LGBTQ+ network, PRISM.

Hi! Firstly, can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and what you currently do?

Hey! My name is Josh and I am currently on the ADF (Advanced Data Fellowship) and working for a company called Capco who is a management consultancy specialising around the financial industry.

What have your experiences been like being a part of the LGBTQ+ community in a work environment?

My experiences have varied personally as I have worked in a few different working environments. One of my first full-time jobs I was open and honest about my sexuality which was taken fairly well by the majority of the staff members though it did mean I became the butt of every joke. 

Where I am currently however has been amazing with this all, though I haven’t been into our offices as of yet due to Covid restrictions, they’ve made it highly clear of their support with their Be Yourself At Work mantra. 

How have you found being a part of the LGBTQ+ community in your general life? 

Growing up in South London, which is typically known for being on the rougher side at times, has always had its struggles. To this day I experience a variety of annoyances from strange glances, to people honking their horns and screaming out their cars at me. I do have to count my blessings that I have not been in any form of physical altercations due to my sexuality, however, I know many have unfortunately had to deal with that. 

While in school I was always targeted and bullied for my sexuality before I even knew for myself what my sexuality was, which was incredibly tough as a child but I’ve used this to thicken my skin through the years and learned not to be afraid of the person I am. 

What has been your experience with regards to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion when choosing your career path? Have you been encouraged or discouraged to join an organisation due to press, policies, etc? 

Prior to this job, I have been rather guilty of not looking heavily into companies history or D&I policies however as I mentioned before this, seeing Capcos intensive approach to DE&I I knew this would be the place for me to feel safe and accepted. 

I have seen examples of companies that have had a reputable past in going against LGBTQ+ rights while a lot of the time Rainbow Washing as an advertising campaign. I admittedly am not the most educated person when it comes to LGBTQ+ history and matters, though I am slowly educating myself a lot more around these to inform my decisions about who truly does support my rights as an individual. 

The theme of this year's Pride History Month is “The Arc is Long '' inspired by a Martin Luther King Jr. quote: 'The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice’ . Do you feel this is reflective of the LGBTQ+ community’s journey thus far? 

I definitely have to agree with this quote feeling very in line with the journey thus far. We have to collectively remember the struggles of our pasts and use them to fuel our movements for today. We definitely have developed a lot with marriage equality and the repeal of Section 28.

I do believe that the perfect world is far from attainable but alas we must still strive for something even close to perfection for everyone. 

Join PRISM today!