🌈LGBTQ+ in the service industry - Peter Avis

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. 

PETER AVIS, General Manager - Galvin at Windows | 10 Degrees Bar

What does “diversity” mean to you?

Everyone being part of the business regardless of colour, sex, sexual orientation and everyone feeling happy and genuine 

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?

When I first worked in our great industry my then GM was a real good leader and he was Gay! I just remember thinking it is ok to just be me, I then went to a very successful career with the virgin group for over 16 years and we really encouraged all team members to be true to who they were. I am general Manager at Galvin at windows at the London Hilton on Park lane, the Galvin Brothers have such a strong culture were everyone can just be, this really allows our service to be happy fun and genuine 

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

Be yourself! I know this is easier said than done but it is so important to just be your true self and enjoy the journey! 

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 really feel things have moved so far over the past few years, I genuinely think that our industry is a true leader in how we manage and support people from all sectors today it is so normal to just be who you are., I look forward to the day we no manager have to put emphasis on our sexuality but we can just be!

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 remember a young guy who came to work for me many years ago told me in confidence that he was Gay and he was a little worried I remember thinking we need to support our teams and makes sure they know and feel it is ok to be yourself, we then supported pride and offered a pride cocktail to celebrate this showed our team we fully support this and of course with me leading the team it was very nature! 

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

When I was the General Manager at Roof Gardens we worked closely with the Elton John Aids Foundation were I founded an event called Revival this started as a small lunch for 50 guests and raised 4k for the foundation the last event we did was hosted by the fab Alan Carr had 220 for lunch and 500 guests in the evening and raised over 85K, I really think giving back and supporting our LGBTQ community..

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

I think we need to put more focus of younger people who are looking for a career and showcasing how safe, fun and successful a career in hospitality can be! Am a gay lad who battled with my own sexuality for many years but when I got my first job in London, I felt safe and secure to come out and meet other colleagues who were gay they have become lifelong friends! Today I am very successful General Manager working with the fabulous Galvin Brothers and we really encourage our teams to always be there true self! 

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