Published 30 June 2025 

June marks Pride Month, a time to recognise, celebrate and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community. At Engage Squared, we’re proud to have a vibrant and growing number of employees who identify as part of this community. And while rainbow logos and colourful flags are important symbols of visibility, we know that true inclusion means so much more.

That’s why we created Pride², a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies to connect, share experiences and help drive meaningful, lasting change within our organisation. Although the group is still in its early days, it’s already sparking important conversations and offering ideas on how we can build a more inclusive, supportive workplace for everyone.

To celebrate #Pride2025, we invited five of our team members to share their personal reflections on what Pride means to them, how they support the LGBTQIA+ community, and why it matters that workplaces offer safe, visible spaces where people feel free to be their authentic selves. Their stories remind us that while progress has been made, there’s always more we can do, and that inclusion is something we should champion not just in June, but every day of the year.

Hi Rachael! Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Engage Squared

I’m a Certified Consultant in the Modern Work & Security Practice, joining from client-side work about 18 months ago after being inspired by the team on the Coles DWP Strategy. I live in Melbourne’s Inner North (of course) with my wife and our two dogs, Denis and Billiam.

Why is it important to you personally that there are safe and visible spaces, like Pride², at work?

I grew up in a time and place where queer women were basically invisible, and when I did see them, it was always in one very specific image: older, butch, masc-presenting lesbians. Now, I deeply admire those women for their confidence, resilience and the communities they built in much harder times. But back then, as a teenager and into my early twenties, I didn’t see myself in them. I didn’t know that being queer could look like me or feel like me. I just assumed I was straight because I didn’t realise there was any other way to be.

That’s why visibility matters so much, not just for those of us coming out, but for those who haven’t yet figured out where they fit. Spaces like Pride² make queerness feel real, varied and possible. They show people you can be exactly who you are and still be seen, supported and celebrated at work.

How has being part of this LGBTQIA+ community at Engage Squared impacted your sense of belonging or wellbeing?

Pride² is still new, but it’s already given me a way to put my values into action. It feels good to be part of something that’s working to improve inclusion across the business, not just for LGBTQIA+ people but for everyone.

What do you think true inclusion looks like in a workplace – beyond just a rainbow logo in June?

True inclusion means putting real effort and resources behind creating equitable systems, not just celebrating diversity on the surface. Workplaces have a responsibility to lead by example. That means listening to people with lived experience, addressing structural barriers, and taking action that actually improves people’s experiences.

For many people, work is one of the few places where they meet people outside their own bubble. That means inclusion at work doesn’t just benefit marginalised groups. It helps everyone grow, connect and better understand the world around them.

If you could tell your younger self about being out and supported at work today, what would you say?

I’d tell her that embracing who you are will feel so much better than hiding ever did. That all the energy you spend trying to shrink or second-guess yourself can be used for better things – like being a better friend, colleague, partner and daughter. Being out isn’t just freeing for you. It creates space for others to be themselves too.

How have you celebrated Pride Month? 

The best way I could celebrate this year is by helping launch Pride² and running our first virtual Pride March. Connecting with like-minded people and building something from the ground up has been such a highlight. I’m proud to be working alongside this group and excited about what we’ll create together.

Ok and lastly, if you could recommend one favourite book, movie or album to enjoy and celebrate LGBTQIA+ art this month, what would it be?

I’m cheating and recommending three:

First, Overcompensating – I binged it recently and cackled the whole way through. The absurdist humour and messy reality of figuring yourself out as a young person felt so real and refreshing.

Secondly, a book: The Song of Achilles – is a truly beautiful story of queer love and yearning. If I lost my memory, it would be one of the first things I’d read.

And finally, if you haven’t seen Moonlight, just go watch it. I can’t articulate what a unique and special film that is.

Hi Stephen! Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Engage Squared

I am 35, queer and from the UK. I moved to Australia (Sydney) earlier this year. I am a senior consultant in Transformation and Change, I am also a member of the Pride² committee.

Why is it important to you personally that there are safe and visible spaces, like Pride², at work?

It’s so important to be able to bring your whole self to work and not feel like you need to hide certain parts of who you are. Knowing there’s an open, safe, and accepting space that welcomes people in their entirety makes a huge difference.

How has being part of this LGBTQIA+ community at Engage Squared impacted your sense of belonging or wellbeing?

Connecting with others and seeing the determination to start something so positive that is not part of their targets or bonuses, but they’re willing to devote their time and energy to, makes me feel positive and supported.

What do you think true inclusion looks like in a workplace – beyond just a rainbow logo in June?

A greater shared understanding of the lived experiences of others beyond yourself. From the top of the organisation to the bottom. The subsequently acknowledging those experiences and the impact they can have on people in their lives and work.

If you could tell your younger self about being out and supported at work today, what would you say?

You will have to get used to coming out, again and again, with each new workplace or group, but it gets easier and you realise that people are there to support you.

How have you celebrated Pride Month? 

I have given my money to the local gay bars every weekend. But also extending my circle of LGBTQIA+ friends.

Ok and lastly, if you could recommend one favourite book, movie or album to enjoy and celebrate LGBTQIA+ art this month, what would it be?

Movie: All of Us Strangers, Series: Heartstopper, Book: Queer as Folklore.

Hi Cati! Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Engage Squared

Hello! I’m Caiti, I’m a Change and Transformation Consultant at Engage Squared. I live on Gimuy Country with my wife Maili in tropical FNQ. I spend my days helping organisations reimagine the way they collaborate and communicate through the lens of M365.

Why is it important to you personally that there are safe and visible spaces, like Pride², at work?

Because visibility is everything, especially in the workplace. Queerness isn’t always celebrated, not just in our work environments, but in our broader communities. At a time in history where it can feel scary to be a visible member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I’m proud of Engage Squared who not only accept and celebrate our network, but platform queer people in our organisation. I acknowledge that I move through the world with a lot of privilege. As a white, straight-presenting person, I don’t face the same levels of discrimination or fear that many others in the LGBTQIA+ community experience. That makes it even more important for me to use my voice, and to help champion spaces like Pride2, where people of all identities and backgrounds feel seen, safe, and supported.

How has being part of this LGBTQIA+ community at Engage Squared impacted your sense of belonging or wellbeing?

Before the formalisation of Pride2, Engage Squared as an organisation has always felt like a very safe space. We have queer representation across our business, and diverse voices and experiences paving the way for change. I feel so connected to my queer colleagues through this shared sense of greater purpose.

What do you think true inclusion looks like in a workplace – beyond just a rainbow logo in June?

Despite the glitter, Pride month is a time to not only celebrate but advocate for the rights of all LGBTQIA+ people. True inclusion is when the quiet everyday moments feel safe, not just the big visible ones. It’s when policies reflect lived experience (like being able to access the Engage Squared fertility policy). It’s when leaders ask questions and don’t make assumptions (like in my previous job where I was introduced to a room full of people and asked, “what does he do?” when I mentioned I had a partner.) It’s when your identity doesn’t need to be edited or hidden to succeed. Real inclusion means actively listening to all queer and gender diverse voices, lifting them up, and building spaces that reflect the full diversity of our community, not just the most comfortable parts.

If you could tell your younger self about being out and supported at work today, what would you say?

I’d probably say, “what do you mean? We’re not gay!”. All jokes aside, I’d be so surprised at how accepted and at ease I feel to be my authentic self.

How have you celebrated Pride Month? 

Aside from our Pride2 activities, I’m taking the time to learn and listen to more diverse LGBTQIA+ voices. I’m enjoying stepping for our virtual pride march, and spending time with my queer friends.

Ok and lastly, if you could recommend one favourite book, movie or album to enjoy and celebrate LGBTQIA+ art this month, what would it be?

If you like to cry… Watch the 2016 film Moonlight. The film takes you through three stages of a boy called Chiron’s life: his childhood, adolescence, and early adult life. It explores the challenges he faces with his homosexuality and identity as a black man. It’s a really important take on the intersectionality of race, sexuality and socioeconomic background.

Hi Liam! Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Engage Squared

I’m a Certified M365 Consultant based in (normally) sunny Sydney. I spend my days working on Viva Engage and Copilot projects helping people work smarter and stay connected. I’m all about building community and making work feel a little more human, whether that’s with clients or our own team.

Why is it important to you personally that there are safe and visible spaces, like Pride², at work?

Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. Spaces like Pride² show that inclusion isn’t just a buzzword or a checkbox, it’s something we live and breathe. As an ally, I think it’s on all of us to help create a workplace where people feel safe to be themselves and know they’re supported. Visibility matters.

How has being part of this LGBTQIA+ community at Engage Squared impacted your sense of belonging or wellbeing?

Being part of Pride² has let me give back in a way that feels really meaningful. I’ve gotten to work with people I wouldn’t usually cross paths with, and together we’re building something that supports everyone. It’s added a whole new layer of purpose to my day-to-day.

What do you think true inclusion looks like in a workplace – beyond just a rainbow logo in June?

It’s about walking the talk. True inclusion means having policies that back people up, using inclusive language, making sure leadership empowers the diversity of the team, and creating spaces where people feel safe and heard. It’s not about one month of celebration—it’s about showing up every day.

If you could tell your younger self about where you work today, what would you say?

I’d say: “You’re going to land in a place where people genuinely care.” And also: “Don’t underestimate the power of teamwork—when people come together with a shared purpose, amazing things happen.” This is a workplace that supports everyone, and it’s a great space to grow and give back.

How have you celebrated Pride Month? 

I’m all in on the Pride² Virtual Pride March—logging steps on Strava, sharing updates in Viva Engage, and teaming up with some amazing folks to keep building our internal community. It’s been a fun and meaningful way to stay connected and celebrate together.

Ok and lastly, if you could recommend one favourite book, movie or album to enjoy and celebrate LGBTQIA+ art this month, what would it be?

I’d recommend ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. It’s a wildly creative (strong emphasis on creative!), visually stunning and powerful film that explores identity, family, and acceptance through a multiverse lens.

Hi Daria! Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Engage Squared

Hey! There are so many labels I could use to describe myself — woman, lesbian, partner, daughter, friend, colleague, immigrant, rebel — but none of them quite capture me as fully as this: On the scale of hunger for knowledge and understanding the world, I’m still a complete toddler — curious, eager to learn, and stumbling into new ideas with wide eyes and plenty of fear, but moving forward anyway. I’m part of our amazing Biz Apps team, where I spend my days doing my best to make people’s work lives easier and a little more joyful through everything connected to the Power Platform.

Why is it important to you personally that there are safe and visible spaces, like Pride², at work?

Because it’s a way of normalising LGBTQIA+ lives. It’s about acknowledging our right to exist openly — not as a debate, but as a fact. Creating visible spaces means saying: we see you, we accept you, and you belong here.

How has being part of this LGBTQIA+ community at Engage Squared impacted your sense of belonging or wellbeing?

It gives me the courage to speak up. And honestly, I think that’s one of the most powerful things a workplace can give you — the ability to show up as yourself without bracing for stress the moment your workday begins.

What do you think true inclusion looks like in a workplace – beyond just a rainbow logo in June?

True inclusion is when you almost stop noticing it — because it becomes so embedded in the culture. It’s no longer something special for Pride Month; it’s just there. It’s knowing that you can talk about your partner, your family, your struggles — with the same ease and acceptance as anyone else.

If you could tell your younger self about being out and supported at work today, what would you say?

Honestly, I think I’d cry.  If I could go back and tell my 15-year-old self — the one who was told by her parents that they didn’t beat her enough as a child — that one day she’d work at a company where sharing a story about your partner or your wedding is completely normal… where clients talk about their own queer lives too… I don’t think I would’ve believed it. Even now, sometimes I can’t believe this is my reality.

How have you celebrated Pride Month? 

I’m walking more — in every sense of the word. Walking forward. Trying to become a better version of myself. Stronger, more grounded. Someone who can inspire others to feel braver.

Ok and lastly, if you could recommend one favourite book, movie or album to enjoy and celebrate LGBTQIA+ art this month, what would it be?

I’d say The L Word, definitely. It’s still one of the most inclusive and meaningful shows out there — a little rainbow on your screen. When you’re a teenager in a small 50,000-person town in Russia, just being able to see what life could look like… it’s deeply empowering.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about the people of Engage Squared and are inspired by their learnings and advice. We’re always on the hunt for wonderful people to join our team, so take a look at our careers page and get in touch if we sound like your type of people.