Years ago, before the pandemic, we adapted our logo for Pride Month, joining a wider movement of visible support for LGBTQ+ rights. It was a time marked by growing inclusivity in both society and the workplace.
But the world has changed. Today, political polarisation, conflict and social division have created a climate where minority communities face renewed vulnerability. In this environment, visible support for inclusivity is not just symbolic, it is essential.
Whilst significant progress has been made, such as anti-discrimination laws, same-sex marriage and widespread Pride events, challenges persist. Hate crimes, homophobia and transphobia are still prevalent, and public discourse on LGBTQ+ rights remains divisive.
Recent legal and political developments have further highlighted how complex and divided these issues can become. Media narratives, political agendas and social media often amplify division, rather than promoting compassion and understanding.
Turning values into year-round action
In this context, standing up for inclusion matters more than ever before, and it is essential for us to move beyond statements of compliance and to take meaningful, demonstrable action.
At Design Portfolio, our core values, Collaborative, Creative and Considerate, aren’t just words; they reflect the way we want to treat each other and the world around us. This commitment is woven into everything we do. Every member of our team takes part in annual training to better understand unconscious bias. We also offer ongoing learning opportunities around neurodiversity, bystander intervention, disability inclusion and LGBTQ+ awareness, helping us all grow in empathy and understanding. And through our sustainability consultancy, Ever Sustainable, we work closely with clients to advance equity and inclusion through their ESG efforts, because we know that creating fairer, more inclusive communities is a vital part of long-term sustainability.
Pride, beyond the logo
We fully respect all identities, and embracing everyone for who they are is a core part of our values. We believe it's not enough to show support in June if it’s not lived out throughout the year; true inclusion means creating a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and empowered to be themselves, every single day.
To us, Pride isn’t just about what we display, in our logo or otherwise, but about committing to inclusivity in all that we do.