2023-June-30

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The Faces of Pride: Local Effort Drives Global Progress

BY MARY LUDWICK

WITH HELEN GALL

6 MINUTE READ · 9 MINUTE LISTEN

During Pride Month, we sat down with Global PRIDE Executive Sponsor and SVP, Customer Experience (CX), APJC Jacqui Guichelaar (she/her).

Our conversation touches on the meaning behind this historic month and how Cisco’s LGBTQ+ Inclusive Community, PRIDE and Allies, has a global impact.

We also spoke to PRIDE’s regional leaders about the community’s evolution.

Pride Month has been celebrated for more than 50 years. Why is it still important?

Jacqui: As long as there are people around the world who continue to feel marginalized and unsafe, Pride matters.

June is a time to celebrate and elevate the many achievements, diverse voices, and important progress of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s also a time when allies and community members can raise awareness, promote acceptance, and create safe spaces.

Until everyone can love who they choose and live freely without fear of repercussions, Pride will continue to be important in the fight to improve the lives of discriminated people everywhere.

What role do Inclusive Communities like PRIDE and Allies play at Cisco?

Jacqui: One of the many reasons I appreciate Cisco is the company’s commitment to bringing people together — through our technologies, our purpose of powering an inclusive future for all, and our amazing communities.

Our PRIDE and Allies community is a vibrant, passionate group of more than 2,700 employees across 19 chapters and 40 countries.

I feel strongly that our global presence has had a positive influence throughout Cisco by providing an inclusive, engaged, and supportive space for both LGBTQ+ folks and allies. While the community still faces a worldwide stigma, Cisco has created a welcoming and accepting environment.

How has the PRIDE and Allies community grown within Cisco?

Jacqui: The community has experienced significant growth, with a 20 percent yearly increase since 2020. It’s a direct reflection of the dedication of our members, the drive from our sponsors and leaders, and Cisco’s executive leadership’s support.

Expanding PRIDE into new areas shows our employees that Cisco is serious about creating a supportive environment in all parts of the world.

Many LGBTQ+ folks experience unique challenges and are vulnerable to mental health issues. We’ll continue to create safe spaces for individuals to be true to themselves and care for their well-being. We believe it’s essential to bring our best to everything we do in and outside of Cisco.

What does this mean for employees living in less tolerant parts of the world?

Jacqui: We acknowledge that challenges still exist in parts of the world, and we must continue our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and wellness of our employees. Cisco recently launched pronouns in Directory and on Webex so employees can share and be seen for their identities.

Cisco also signed the Business Statement on Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation from Human Rights Campaign, along with 323 other companies. It states clear opposition to harmful legislation aimed at restricting the access of LGBTQ+ people in society.

Some LGBTQ+ employees feel safer at work than at home or in their local communities. Support and care from colleagues and access to benefits and other resources continue to be a shining light in dark, challenging moments.

We also recognize that there is more we could do to ensure our employees feel seen and heard, and we will strive to make progress in the months and years to come.

What role do companies like Cisco and leaders like yourself have in the fight for equality?

Jacqui: LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.

Everyone has a right to freedom, safety, and happiness, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, race, or background. We have come a long way in driving equality for all. And we still have further to go. In our own ways, each of us can contribute to creating a more inclusive society.

That said, with great power comes great responsibility. As a company, Cisco leads by example, standing with our employees to show up and speak up.

How is PRIDE and Allies growing worldwide? The Inclusive Community leaders share in their own words:

Related Links

• Cisco PRIDE Community
• Pride Month Events and Replays
• Pride Season 2023: Leading Progress with Purpose
• PRIDE on the Cisco Store

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