Bord Gáis Energy – Supporting Pride with Purpose
Martina Williamson, People Director at Bord Gáis Energy.
At a time when many organizations are stepping back from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), we're choosing to move forward, keeping it central to how we work at Bord Gáis Energy.
With continued support from our BRÓD Network — our LGBTQ+ employee network — we're proud to once again take part in the Cork Pride Parade on 3 August. Pride matters, now more than ever. Ireland's recent celebration of 10 years since the Marriage Equality Referendum is a powerful reminder of what progress looks like when we choose fairness, love and belonging.
Bord Gáis Energy at Cork Pride Parade 2024.
We've taken part in the Dublin Pride parade for many years, but with our strong Cork presence, we were proud to join Cork Pride for the first time last year and we're back again this August. Colleagues from both our Cork and Dublin offices, along with their partners and families, will be out in force, making it a memorable and meaningful day for all.
I was there myself, and it was a brilliant day, full of colour, music and genuine connection. Seeing colleagues bring their partners, friends and families along made it feel especially inclusive and joyful. Cork Pride has a unique energy and warmth, and the theme for 2025: 'A Fearless Future. Your Pride, Your Culture', really captures the spirit of the day.
Bord Gáis Energy's Pride-themed van.
The parade is the highlight of what's become a busy and brilliant Pride season at Bord Gáis Energy. This year BRÓD kicked things off with a colleague boat party, hosted a Pride celebration barbecue, and brought energy and visibility to a Pride-themed run that we proudly sponsored and took part in.
Drummers and Bord Gáis Energy colleagues at Cork Pride 2024.
Our BRÓD Network, launched in 2017, now includes 43 members from across the business — a mix of LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies who come together to share experiences, support one another and shape how we move forward. One of the network's key achievements to date has been helping to introduce transitioning guidelines to support transgender colleagues at work.
BRÓD is proudly sponsored by our Managing Director, Dave Kirwan, whose active support has helped bring visibility and momentum to the network's work. His advocacy has been central to progressing inclusive policies and ensuring our Pride calendar continues to grow in impact and reach each year.
At Bord Gáis Energy, Pride is one part of a much wider commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Through our Every Colleague Counts strategy, we're focused on building a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
Over the past few years, we've grown a strong network-led culture, with seven colleague-led DEI networks helping to shape policy, support peers, and foster inclusion across the business. Earlier this year, we were proud to achieve Bronze Accreditation from the Irish Centre for Diversity, a milestone that reflects the real progress we're making, with even more still to do.
At Bord Gáis Energy, we believe in creating a workplace where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. We are proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ colleagues, customers and communities. Pride is not just a moment; it is a movement. Taking part once again in Cork Pride reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusion, visibility and to energising a greener, fairer future for all.
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