Pride Month 2024

Written by Area Manager, Billy Pearce

My name is Billy Pearce, and I proudly serve as one of the Area Managers for Itec. But beyond my professional role, I am also a member of the LGBTQ+ Community, and it’s with great passion that I stepped into the role as the Lead for LGBTQIA+ within our company.

You might wonder, why did I choose to take on this role? For me, it’s deeply personal. Throughout my life, I’ve experienced the challenges and triumphs of navigating the world as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I’ve felt the sting of discrimination and the warmth of acceptance. And through it all, I’ve come to understand the immense importance of encouraging an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are.

Becoming the lead for LGBTQ+ isn’t just about representation; it’s about making a physical difference in the lives of our employees and the learners we support. It’s about ensuring that each person, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, feels empowered to bring their whole selves to work each day. It’s about creating a culture where diversity isn’t just tolerated but embraced wholeheartedly.

At Itec, we recognise that inclusivity requires more than just words—it requires action. That’s why I have established the LGBTQIA+ forums within our organisation, providing safe spaces for open dialogue, support, and advocacy. These forums serve as a platform for sharing experiences, raising awareness, and driving meaningful change.

I’m excited to share that we have achieved Stonewall accreditation, a significant milestone that symbolises our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. This accreditation serves as a testament to our dedication to creating an equitable workplace where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel valued, respected, and supported. It demonstrates our proactive efforts to encourage an environment of acceptance and equality, ensuring that diversity is not only celebrated but embraced at every level of our organisation.

But our journey doesn’t end there. We understand that promoting a truly inclusive environment is an ongoing process—one that requires continuous learning, growth, and collaboration. That’s why we’re working diligently to establish LGBTQ+ champions in each of our centres, individuals who will serve as ambassadors for diversity and inclusion, sparking conversations and driving positive change from the ground up.

Together, let’s continue to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, championing equality, love, and acceptance in all that we do.

Happy Pride!