Embracing diversity with Ian Thorpe

Optus proudly promotes and encourages a welcoming, inclusive and diverse work-culture. By embracing the individuality, culture, and experience of all our people, we enrich our workplace and our business.

Our differences make us stronger. It’s what we all have in common. It’s the power of inclusivity that drives our innovation and realises what’s possible for our customers.

This year marks the inaugural Sydney WorldPride, after Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was successful in winning the bid to host in 2019.

Sydney WorldPride will be hosted from Friday, 17 February – Sunday, 5 March 2023 which is the traditional timing of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and of course, in the heart of the Australian summer! Optus is Premier Partner of the festival and presenting two events: the Bondi Beach Party and Rainbow Republic.

The Festival will be completed with a suite of Pride Amplified culture, community, party and experience events staged by third-party producers throughout Greater Sydney.

To kick start the season of Pride, we spoke to our Diversity and Inclusion Champion and one of the Sydney World Pride Rainbow champions Ian Thorpe.

Why is diversity important to you?

Diversity is important to me as it reflects who we are as a society. There's a great strength in having not only different ethnic, faith or cultural backgrounds but for those to be embraced in our community but especially in the work place. With diversity we have the ability to have a greater understanding of each other and in having this it makes our decisions reflect those which benefit all and not just some.

What advice would you give to individuals working though their self-identity?

Self-Identity is not something that you are automatically aware of or how it develops in stages. It is important however to be able to bring your true authentic self to what you do in every part of your life. For everyone else accepting other people as you would be on the basis of their merit, virtue or integrity is always great place to start.

How do you stay involved and represent the LGBTQIA+ community?

I do an extensive amount of work alongside Equality Australia which is the main NFP which advises government on issues impacting on the LGBTIQ community. Many people assumed that with the inclusion of Marriage equality the issues and discrimination that people in the Gay community face would dissipate which is not the case. I also try to lead an authentic life myself which reflects my values and qualities.

How will you be participating in the WorldPride 2023 celebrations?

I will take part in a number of events as Champion of diversity and Inclusion for Optus as well as enjoying a party or two with my friends from around the world who will be here for Sydney WorldPride. I may even be strutting "the dogwalk" with my much-loved dog Kaia!

Any tips for individuals who are celebrating WorldPride this year?

Enjoy Sydney WorldPride the way you want to celebrate as part of a unique and diverse community. WorldPride is quite possibly the largest event in Sydney since the Olympics so please don't let this opportunity slip by. You don't have to be part of the LGBTIQ community to enjoy this so if you're one of our straight brother's or sister's please come and enjoy the fun with us.

Find out how Optus is celebrating diversity.