Pride and Allies is KBR’s global employee resource group (ERG) for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Pride and Allies was conceptually established in late 2020 and was formally ratified as a KBR ERG in early 2021.
Pride and Allies was originally launched as a single UK chapter, but employees and leadership quickly recognized the broader appeal within KBR and the global importance of the issues being addressed. So in January 2021, Pride and Allies was expanded as a global offering to better serve KBR employees. The group now has chapters in the UK, United States and Australia, with Sam Fox as the global lead. You can find out more about the Pride and Allies committee here.
Educating Allies
Pride and Allies has embraced the philosophy of ”bring your whole self to work,” and the group is actively working to help KBR employees, managers and leaders understand what that philosophy means. Education is central to that mission. Sometimes intolerance and prejudice can be overt. Other times, individuals don’t realize they are biased. Many people simply aren’t aware of what it means to be LGBTQ+ or what challenges and pain people within the community regularly deal with. Education is therefore vital. Pride and Allies’ mission to educate and connect people also aligns with KBR’s commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D) and helps demonstrate that KBR, as an employer, is a safe place for LGBTQ+ colleagues, as well as other groups, to come to work and feel safe. At KBR, we believe that different backgrounds and perspectives make us a better, stronger and more innovative business.
Sam Fox, Daniel John and Penny Voget representing KBR and Pride and Allies at Swindon Pride.
Building a Community
A great way to learn more about the community is to get involved! There are lots of global events coming up, such as the launch of the “LGB and a Cup of Tea” series, which is open to anyone regardless of whether they’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally. This virtual series will give colleagues the chance to catch up, mingle, ask questions and/or receive advice.
Additionally, employees in KBR locations with work libraries should be on the lookout for LGBTQ+ resources, books and literature. There will also be Pride and Allies merchandise available soon for each region, including an expanded offering of pride flags that will offer more representation. Finally, in the future, KBR Well-being Ambassadors will be trained in LGBTQ+-specific issues, and drop-in sessions will be available on topics such as ally awareness and how to respond to LGBTQ+ discourse both at work and at home.
Pride and Allies is fully inclusive and everyone is welcome. If you have any questions or want to get involved, please contact PrideAlliesERG@KBR.com
