🌈LGBTQ+ in the service industry - Mathieu Le Dizet

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. 

Mathieu Le Dizet, Catering Operation Manager – Grayson at The British Library

What does “diversity” mean to you?

Diversity is strength. It's important to surround yourself with people from all walks of life, you can learn every day from someone with a different perspective. Imagine what we could achieve if we are always learning?! 

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?

A few years back when I was still a hospitality assistant, I used to work with a manager who was unapologetically himself. At work events with director and MDs he always brought his husband, he was loud and proud and never cared about people's opinions. I got so much confidence from him and felt more comfortable coming out in the workplace. Still nowadays, I look up to him as fearless leader.

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

Reach out. There will always be someone to support you, whether that's someone in your friend's circle, your family or online with groups like gaycentre.org who can support you. You are never alone!

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…)

When I first started working at 15 years-old, it was very tough to be yourself the industry. There was little to no space to be who you are but nowadays people's minds are being changed. With the legislation changing, it encourages people to be loud and proud. There is still a long way to go (i.e. conversion therapy is still legal in the UK) but there are so many steps taken that society is taking us seriously, one step at a time. 

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

COVID-19! I've always wanted to work for charity and do my part to help the community, but I was always too busy with work and life. Like most of us, I was at home on furlough and not having much to do, so I decided to volunteer with St John's ambulance and become a vaccinator. I've really enjoyed doing it, it's great to be able to actively support to others.

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

Graysons are really supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and together with colleagues and Directors, we have started a LGBTQ+ group which aims to support all our colleagues and promote equality thorough partnership and understanding. We want to help the world be a better and more accepting place, one step at a time.

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

In my opinion the next thing we, as a community, need to push forward in is the inclusion of our trans sisters and brothers. There is a lot of misunderstanding from the average person about what trans, non-binary and beyond the spectrum is. I think the first steps are to educate, making our HR processes genderless and introducing the beauty of these people. 

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