10/31/2024

#BeYou: Global Support for Equal Rights

At Beiersdorf, we want everyone to feel good in their skin. As strong advocates of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), we understand that lasting change needs ongoing solidarity and dedication. Supporting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer people (LGBTIQ+) is one such commitment. On October 11, International Coming Out Day, we once again opened our headquarters to individuals and allies from the community. Together with our partner organization WELCOMING OUT, we hosted their third annual “(WEL)-COMING OUT” event, aiming to create a safe space for people to be themselves without fear and for allies to feel empowered in their advocacy.

Our commitment doesn’t stop there: Around the Pride season in 2024, our employees worldwide once again launched and supported numerous initiatives to celebrate Pride, the queer community, and its allies, and to stand up for equal rights for all.

Let’s embark on a journey around the globe to take a closer look at some of the colorful ways in which we have shown our support this year.

Entrance Beiersdorf

Germany: Marching together for LGBTIQ+ rights

Christopher Street Day (CSD) Parade in Hamburg

In Hamburg, Germany our internal “Be You @Beiersdorf” employee network kicked off Pride Month with a series of activities educating on issues related to gender diversity.

A highlight was the panel discussion “Inclusive Future: Corporate, Societal & Personal Roles in LGBTIQ+ Advocacy,” which took place at the start of Hamburg Pride Week. The panel, opened by our CEO Vincent Warnery brought together content creator and journalist Leonie Löwenherz, actor Brix Schaumburg, author and CEO of Queermentor, Pavlo Stroblja, as well as “Be You” core team members Christopher Cole and Sebastian Lehmann. Together, they explored the vital role companies and individuals play in defending LGBTIQ+ rights amid growing political resistance from the far right.

A major highlight was Beiersdorf’s participation in the Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade. For the third year running, many of our employees proudly marched with our Beiersdorf truck, standing united against discrimination and intolerance under this year’s theme “5 to 12! You & I Against Right-Wing Pressure.”

Thailand: Breaking gender myths

Talk with former Miss Thailand, Dr. Jaeb Lalana (on the right)

In 2024, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage – making it an extra special time to celebrate Pride at Beiersdorf Thailand.

During a ‘sofa talk’ titled “Success Is Not Defined by Gender,” former Miss Thailand Dr Jeab Lalana shared her personal (success) story. Her key message? Success is not just about reaching big goals; it’s about embracing your authentic self every day.

 

 

 

 

Mexico: Ideas for an inclusive workplace

Hybrid conference on 'strategies for an inclusive culture’ in Mexico

As part of an internal Pride Month campaign, Beiersdorf Mexico teamed up with Pride Connection Mexico to host a hybrid conference, “How to Embrace Diversity? Strategies for an Inclusive Culture.” The event provided plenty of insights and practical tips on how to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, with colleagues from all our Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America being able to join via livestream.

Celebrations also involved a Pride flag-raising ceremony and a communal lunch, bringing together members and allies of the internal LGBTIQ+ community. The Mexico City Pride Parade marked the grand finale.

Poland: #BeYouDay and the Poznań Equality March

Celebrating #BeYouDay at Beiersdorf Poland

Beiersdorf Poland celebrated Pride Month with an internal #BeYouDay, accompanying the local launch of the NIVEA Cream Pride Edition. Together with external experts, our colleagues organized various activities for employees to learn more about gender diversity and debunk common myths. 

Beyond that, at the local Pride parade, the Poznań Equality March, our Polish team set up a vibrant NIVEA Pride area with music, ice cream, face painting, a photo booth, and NIVEA Pride gifts, creating a festive atmosphere to support queer rights.

Italy: #BeYou support desk and coming out event

‘Coming Out Event’ at Beiersdorf Italy

In May this year, Beiersdorf Italy joined forces with Arcigay Milano, one of the country’s leading LGBTIQ+ organizations. Together, they introduced the #BeYou support desk – a resource, available both in person and online, to support queer individuals through their personal journey of coming out.

In June, they followed up with the first-ever Coming Out event at Beiersdorf Italy. Alongside Arcigay representatives as well as actors and comedians from the LGBTIQ+ community, our employees organized workshops and Q&A sessions on topics like sexual identity, inclusive language, and workplace inclusivity.

As we look back on Pride 2024, we do so with immense pride ourselves. The season may be over, but our efforts fighting for equality remain unwavering. The stories and initiatives highlighted here are just glimpses into our efforts and dedication to fostering a culture of belonging within and beyond Beiersdorf. Learn more about our broad DE&I commitment here.  

About the editor: Anna Hewing

Anna is part of the Corporate Communications team and responsible for the topics of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as well as Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I). Her stories are about inspiring personalities at Beiersdorf and the company’s social commitment.