American multinational consumer goods firm, The Procter & Gamble Company, has launched a short film called Out of the Shadows. The 25-minute long film made in partnership with Great Big Story shares with the world the story of how the employees at P&G managed to fight the prejudice, hatred and intolerance that existed against the LGBTQ community. The film highlights the challenges they overcame on the journey to making the LGBTQ community an integral part of their workforce and culture . The objective of the film is to allow others to learn from P&G’s past in order to ensure a better future, where everyone is valued and included.
Aptly titled Out of the Shadows, the film shows how the Company began including gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender into its culture. It highlights the stories of employees who challenged the Company and overcame all adversities during the 1990s and 2000s to establish their presence.
Shelly Mcnamara
“The employees journey highlights how far we’ve come, but there is still more work to be done for equality. That is why P&G is partnering with Great Big Story to tell their story, so others can learn from our past to make a better future where everyone is valued, and everyone is included”
It all started way back in 1992 when the Company included sexual orientation in its diversity plan. It was a time when the LGBTQ community was fighting societal prejudice, and the emerging awareness about HIV/AIDS only added to their miseries. Employees at P&G took it upon themselves to fight for equal employee benefits and turn the tide of prejudice.
“This inspiring 25-minute film shares the story of courageous employees who persevered in the face of prejudice, hate and intolerance. Their journey highlights how far we’ve come, but there is still more work to be done for equality. That is why P&G is partnering with Great Big Story to tell their story, so others can learn from our past to make a better future where everyone is valued, and everyone is included,” says P&G chief diversity & inclusion officer Shelly McNamara.
Through the film, the Company wants to showcase its internal journey of including LGBTQ community into the workforce. It aims to spread awareness and start a conversation around understanding and empathy.
Diversity and inclusion is one of P&G’s citizenship focus areas, along with ethics and corporate responsibility, community impact, gender equality and environmental sustainability.
A mass communication graduate Kartikay is a quick learner. A fresh bake, yet a prolific writer, he is always keen to learn and discover new things. He is an easy going gallivanted and just likes to chill out when he is not chasing news. He loves watching movies as well.
