Celebrating Pride Month At Compass Group

We caught up with Katie Pathiaki, Head of Knowledge for the Creative Labs and Co-Chair of our Pride in Food network to chat about Pride Month.

Pride Month is a dedicated time of celebration and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community marked by vibrant parades, events and educational activities that encourage unity, visibility, and support for the LGBTQ+ community and its ongoing fight for equality.

It serves as a platform to promote inclusivity, raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and foster acceptance.

Q. What does Compass UK&I do to support the LGBTQ+ community?

A. At Compass UK&I we encourage everyone to be their authentic selves and celebrate diversity in a positive workplace. The Pride in Food network welcomes anyone identifying as part of LGBTQ+ community and allies with open arms. We offer support for those who need a friendly face to speak to and are always on the pulse of LGBTQ+ related legislation and policies. We are passionate about equality, respect and dignity in the workplace, with sectorised Lead Ambassadors at the frontline proudly waving our (hypothetical) flags! 

Q. Why have you become involved?

A. As soon as I joined Compass I knew that I wanted to represent my sector as a Lead Ambassador (now Co-Chair) for Pride in Food. As someone who identifies as a Demisexual Pansexual, I am passionate about breaking down taboos - I will never "dull down" who I am as a person for any reason, which for those who paved the way in LGBTQ+ equality before me, wasn't as easy or even an option. So for that I feel very lucky and want to ensure that everyone can find the confidence within to be themselves. I live, eat and breathe LGBTQ+ culture and am very proud to be part of this fabulous and supportive community. 

Q. What is planned for the month?

A. Expect all things rainbow!! We've put together colourful collateral such as presentation decks to display on digital screens delving into the origins of Pride and why we celebrate; Pride Packs full to the brim with banners, flags, lanyards and more for teams to decorate their spaces and show their Pride; plus all throughout June our HQ in Chertsey and Parklands will be putting on rainbow food offers, with sites taking part as and when they can! We will also be representing Pride in Food at London Pride and hosting a limited-admission pre-Pride event to give Ambassadors and influential colleagues / clients the opportunity to take part in authentic, genuine discussions about the LGBTQ+ community and the issues we still face today.