Pride Month 2025 - interview with Ian Byrne

Tell us a bit about your journey, both as an entrepreneur and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

I grew up in the Lake District in the 1990s—beautiful, but incredibly small-town. Everyone knew everyone, and being “the only gay in the village” wasn’t just a catchphrase, it was real life. It was impossible to be out. So I hid who I was. The moment I left school, I found my people. I became a Bluecoat at Pontins, and within weeks I came out and finally felt comfortable in my own skin. That freedom led me to become a  Redcoat at Butlins, and then I moved to France to be an Entertainment Manager for Haven Europe Holidays—all before I turned 20. Surrounded by people like me, I was thriving. I then spent 10 years working for IHG in various L&D and HR roles, which I loved and was allowed to bring my true self to work also. At the beginning of 2010—I moved to Australia. I was recruited to bring something totally new to cruise ships: HR. Based in the South Pacific, I boarded my first ship wearing officer stripes on my arm, stepping into a world where many senior crew had been at sea for decades—never having had to follow employment law or even think about things like equality, inclusion, or wellbeing. And here I was, walking in saying, “Hi! I’m HR—and things are going to change.” There was some resistance. There was some homophobia. But you learn—it’s not about shouting the loudest. It’s about how you connect, how you influence, how you listen. I told stories, I was human, I was real. Eventually, even the most sceptical captains came round. I loved those few years—it shaped so much of who I am as a leader today.

Why is Pride Month important to you personally and/or professionally?

Pride Month is a celebration of truth. It reminds me how far I’ve come—from hiding in Cumbria to leading change in global businesses. It’s also a reminder of the work still to do. I once worked for a company that played a brilliant game—they had rainbow logos, inclusive slogans, but the truth was very different. I experienced some of the worst homophobia of my career as a senior leader. It was covert, toxic, and emotionally exhausting. I left as soon as I could—because I couldn’t allow it to impact my mental health or compromise who I am. I had to practice what I preach. Pride means never going back to hiding—and never letting others feel they need to.

How have LGBTQIA+ communities shaped your perspective as a business leader? 

The LGBTQ+ community taught me to lead with honesty, empathy, and unapologetic joy. I don’t wear a mask. I don’t dilute my personality to make others comfortable. I’ve been through too much to hide now. That same strength is what I bring to leadership. I support, challenge, coach, and champion others with everything I’ve got. Whether I’m mentoring new managers or guiding senior leaders, I always lead with humanity. No pretence—just presence.

This year’s Pride theme is The Power of Communities. What does that mean to you and your business?

Community is everything. It saved me. It lifted me. It created me. From the camaraderie of Redcoats and cruise ships to the incredible people I now work with at Clarity Housekeeping — I’ve always surrounded myself with people who support, celebrate, and challenge each other.

At Clarity, we’ve built a culture that celebrates difference. Whether it’s our LGBTQ+ employees, our migrant workers, our neurodivergent team members—everyone gets to belong here. And that’s the power of community: no one gets left behind.

What role do you think service industry businesses play in uplifting and connecting LGBTQIA+ communities?

We are the front line. Our people interact with the public more than most. So, we have both an opportunity and an obligation to model inclusivity. That means not just reacting to discrimination—but actively building cultures of respect. It means training. It means policy. But it also means presence. Being visible. Speaking up. Creating spaces that feel safe and joyful. I take that responsibility seriously—and encourage everyone around me to do the same.

How do you encourage allyship among staff and customers alike?

It starts with showing up. I don’t hide who I am. I tell my story. I listen to theirs. I build connection and trust. Allyship isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about leaning in, being curious, and doing the right thing, even when it’s uncomfortable. I model that. I expect it. And I support people to get there, one conversation at a time.

How do you think an inclusive workplace benefits everyone, not just LGBTQ+ employees? 

Because everyone benefits from psychological safety. When you can be yourself, you’re more creative, more productive, more loyal. You contribute more because you don’t have to waste energy pretending. Inclusion lifts everyone. It creates workplaces that feel human—not just efficient.

Do you actively connect with or uplift other LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs or organisations?

Absolutely. I mentor LGBTQ+ professionals—especially those from working-class and rural backgrounds, like mine. I speak at events. I support causes that align with values over visibility. And most of all— I open doors. We all rise by lifting others.

What makes your business a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people—whether staff, clients, or customers?

Because we don’t pretend. We walk the walk. Inclusion is embedded in everything we do. From training and recruitment to daily culture—we don’t tolerate discrimination in any form.

And me? I show up as me—warm, funny, a little sparkly at times. But always real. I tell my story. I make space for others. And our people know—they never have to hide here.

What message would you like to share with other business leaders during Pride Month 2025?

Be authentic. Be courageous. Don’t just slap on a rainbow—live it. If your culture doesn’t reflect your values, change it. And if you work somewhere that’s toxic or inauthentic—leave. I did. I had to. Because Pride isn’t just a month—it’s a mindset. We owe it to ourselves, and to the next generation, to lead with integrity. To speak up. To build workplaces that reflect the world we want, not just the one we inherited. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present. Show up. And never stop making space for others to do the same.

Final Word

From a closeted Cumbrian teen to a globe-trotting entertainer, cruise ship change-maker, and inspirational senior HR leader—I am proof that being unapologetically yourself can change lives. My journey is one of joy, boldness, and boundless heart. And wherever I go, one thing’s guaranteed: the people around me feel seen, heard, and celebrated.