This is some text inside of a div block.

Heading

Honouring Pride Month: Recognizing the Importance of Inclusive Language

Équité Association is celebrating Pride Month alongside our staff, members and partners who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Insurance crimes disproportionately affect the most disenfranchised and marginalized communities. Language can be powerful – the words we use can shape how we think and can influence in different ways. The historic injustice of the LGBTQ+ community underscores how language usage can help people feel included, valued and safe in their workplace.

Under President & CEO, Terri O’Brien’s (she/her) leadership, social purpose is woven through Équité’s foundation through what we do and who we are. With this in mind, and in collaboration with her team, Terri developed Équité’s corporate values to support and drive the organization’s mission. From its inception, to the present, and into the future, Terri continues to hold herself and her teams accountable to these values.

To recognize and celebrate employees who actively contributed to Équité’s culture by living its values, Terri spearheaded the launch of Équité Champions: Living Our Values. This award showcases individual employees who demonstrate their commitment to our values. For our most recent Diversity & Inclusion award winner Kay West, Senior Manager, Communications, inclusive language is particularly important:

“Inclusive writing and editing, especially around the LGBTQ+ community, are important to me personally, and I love that Équité’s leadership actively encourages my dedication as part of our diversity and inclusion corporate values. Language has the power to invite people in and to the validate experiences of marginalized and underrepresented communities. It’s important to note that language is always evolving and I am continuously learning, unlearning and adjusting my word choices to be as inclusive as possible. Here at Équité, I am proud to support and promote inclusivity through my communications role, as well as through my volunteer work on our culture committee.”  – Kay West (she/her), Senior Manager, Communications

Équité’s purpose-driven culture is built on integrity and respect and these are essential to creating real and enduring change as we continue to progress towards our vision of eradicating insurance crime in Canada.