Celebrating Pride Month with Optus

In June Optus celebrated Pride Month, inclusion, and diversity by highlighting the voices of our Amazing People. We spoke to three inspiring Optus employees, Ryan Spowart, Customer Account Executive, Noah Collingwood, System & Reporting Compliance Specialist and Lia Klatowsky, Customer Resolution Expert to find out what Pride Month means to them, their role models, and scored some music recommendations.

Despite coming from different backgrounds and upbringings, Ryan, Noah, and Lia all felt similarly about Pride Month, believing it to be a time to celebrate, accept, and love every kind of person.

“Pride month means the recognition of what the generations before us went through to allow us to live our lives, to have acceptance and equality for who we are and not what we chose to be and celebrating today not only about who we are but for everyone to have pride in themselves,” said Ryan.

“As a child, I never imagined that it would be acceptable to embrace my true identity. However, occasions like Pride Month reassure me that it is not only acceptable but also essential to love who I love, and it brings this crucial notion to the forefront of everyone's consciousness,” said Noah.

“For me it’s more than parties and parades (although they are very fun!), it’s an opportunity to celebrate our history, activism, culture, and a chance for me to connect with other LGBTQIA+ people and share our journeys,” said Lia.

From parents, to partners, to fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Ryan, Noah, and Lia are grateful for the many role models in their lives that they can look up to.

“My parents of course, for instilling the right morals and value to live by in life. [Plus], in my community, I have some very beautiful friends in their 60s and 70s who tell me stories of their lives in Sydney in 1970’and 80’s… I have so much respect and gratitude for what they went through for us,” said Ryan.

“[My Partner]. It was their incredible strength and steadfast commitment to supporting and embracing who and what they loved that made these newfound experiences a reality for me,” said Noah.

“Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected in public office in California in the 70’s. He went from being closeted to coming out and using his voice, which made such a huge influence on the LGBTQIA+ community and without his efforts, I don’t believe we would have come as far as we have with equality,” said Lia.

Great things happen when we lift each other up. Optus is committed to embracing and celebrating diversity, as well as the individuality of our Amazing People. Ryan, Noah and Lia shared more about Optus’ involvement in Pride Month.

“[Optus is] showing other companies around Australia and even the world how we represent and respect each other, not just about sexuality but also other things like religion and nationality, [that] we are one and come together as one big family and are each other’s support network,” said Ryan.

“It is crucial for our company to continue showing up for individuals who, like me, have walked a similar path and find immense value in being associated with a company that is wholeheartedly dedicated to embracing and uplifting everyone, regardless of their background,” said Noah.

“Part of my confidence in my role at Optus and even in my personal life comes from a sense of belongingness that Optus instils in all its employees. I feel proud to be a part of such an amazing and inclusive work environment, where my successes in life are celebrated and my lows are supported, regardless of what demographic I belong to,” said Lia.

And to round it all off, our Amazing People shared some fun tunes they’ve been listening to while celebrating Pride Month.

“‘I am What I am’ of course by Gloria Gaynor and fitting for the month the song ‘Pride’ by Johnna,” said Ryan.

“The song that holds a special place in my heart is ‘Boys in the Street’ originally written by Greg Holden and more recently made popular by Calum Scott. This song resonates with me deeply due to its raw and authentic nature,” said Noah.

“The song that fills me with pride and is also a reminder of how far I have come from a scared little girl to a proud and confident woman is ‘Only to be with you’ by Roachford,” said Lia.

All our interviews were kindly conducted by Vasu Sharrock, Senior Support & Enablement Expert at Optus.