🌈LGBTQ+ in the service industry - Nia Bezuidenhout

The hospitality industry has been a LGBTQ+ community supporter and top employment sector for years and it globally recognises the need to change the way employers operate globally in order to be more diverse. This series of interviews will be looking into the career and inspirations of top industry leaders/figures to celebrate one of the most diverse employment sectors. 

Nia Bezuidenhout, Segment Business Partner - SODEXO

What does “diversity” mean to you?

Diversity for me is recognising that every human being is a complex individual, made from multiple characteristics. It’s about celebrating those differences whilst raising awareness of other experiences through sharing lived stories. 

As we evolve and learn more, we’re talking more openly about it. Knowledge is power! 

During your career in the service industry, what has made it possible for your to be a successful leader and at the same time, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community?

For me, it was something as simple as having visible role models. 

Feeling valued and having the ability to bring your whole self to any work environment is important. Any Organisation shining a spotlight on their commitment and focus in this area will go a long way to creating that safe space for any LGBT+ person. 

I was able to focus on my career and what I wanted rather than hold myself back worrying about outing myself in a non-supportive organisation.

Do you have recommendations for any LGBTQ+ people entering the employment/business world who might face situations of discrimination?

I would always encourage someone to do their research on an organisation, obviously if they have a presence in D&I then this is great indicator of the type of organisation they will be to work for however not all organisations are vocal about their journey and this doesn’t mean that they don’t live and breathe D&I in their everyday values. I’d also encourage anyone with a real passion for inclusion and diversity to get involved in networks or workstreams – many hands make light work! Never underestimate what you as one individual can do to make a change.

Have you noticed any differences from a best practice in the business perspective, as an LGBTQ+ person, between when you started compared to now? (policies, support…)

I have certainly seen a huge shift in focus and action from large organisations now who are understanding the value of employing a diverse workforce compared to 10+ years ago. 

Introducing clear guidance around ‘Transitioning at Work’ is another great milestone, ensuring that all HR policies are gender neutral is key and finally the importance of including pronouns in email signatures and when introducing yourself in a meeting is critical to creating an inclusive environment.

Has anything in your professional career (or maybe personal life) that has made you think or say, “let’s change this for the community?”

I’ve encountered homophobia on multiple levels over the years in my personal life.  This has ranged from verbal abuse in the street to being physically assaulted in my early 20’s. 

I can recall all too well how those experiences have made me feel and the impact they’ve had on me, especially in terms of my self-worth and mental health. 

I made the decision some time ago to use those experiences as a positive; by raising awareness and sharing personal stories it really brings to life some of the microaggression’s and homophobic viewpoints that people have. I want to reaffirm to LGBT+ people that they are not alone. However, I would say my biggest hope is that in calling it out it will resonate with someone and they’ll reflect on their own behaviour and change. 

Have there been any LGBTQ+ organisations, groups or places that have been part of your journey?

Growing up in a rural part of Wales in the 90’s and early noughties there wasn’t much in the way of ‘safe’ spaces so my experience of anything relating the being LGBT+ came from the very limited TV shows like ‘Brookside’. 

However, I was fortunate enough in my early 20s to experience Canal Street (Manchester). Having the ability to experience others embracing their queerness, celebrating their individuality, and finding that sense of belonging had a huge impact on me

Canal Street will always be dear to me for this reason. 

What do you think could improve for the LGBTQ+ community in the employment world? 

There is certainly more conversation now around Trans, non-binary and gender fluid people. This isn’t because it’s new, but because there is more awareness now than 5+ years ago. Organisations we are agile in supporting these colleagues will make a huge difference and its surprising that there are still many organisations out there who are not doing this.

It’s a really obvious statement to make but it’s a known fact that a diverse workforce is a more productive work force – if this isn’t a business case alone then I don’t know what it. 

Organisations should be focusing on all characteristics within the D&I umbrella.

Feeling valued as an individual results in more engaged and productive output which will only grow any organisation and on a basic humanity principle it’s the right thing to do.

If you would like to take part as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, get in touch with Krishnan (krishnan@corecruitment.com)