At Talk Works, we believe mental health support should be built around real people with real stories. And that means standing up, not just showing up, for LGBTQIA+ individuals all year round.

Pride Month is a moment to celebrate love, visibility, and self-expression. But it’s also a reminder that for many, the workplace still isn’t a safe or inclusive space.

In 2023, one in five LGBTQ+ employees in the UK reported being discriminated against at work because of their sexual orientation or gender identity (CIPD). One in three said they’d hidden their identity for fear of how colleagues might react. These numbers are more than statistics, they’re a sign that we have work to do.

As a mental health provider and certified B Corp, we know that LGBTQIA+ communities are disproportionately impacted by poor mental health. Research from Stonewall shows that:

• Half of LGBTQ+ people have experienced depression, and
• 61% of trans people have reported serious anxiety.

Add workplace discrimination into the mix, and the impact can be even more profound.

That’s why at Talk Works, we don’t just talk about inclusion, we build it into everything we do.

Whether you’re accessing therapy, joining a workshop, or collaborating with us on workplace wellbeing, you’ll find a space that’s supportive, compassionate, and non-judgemental. We work hard to make sure our language is inclusive, our services are accessible, and our team is trained to meet people where they are, with respect and care.

What can employers do?

Inclusion is a mindset, and a daily practice. If you want your LGBTQIA+ colleagues to feel safe and supported, here are a few ways to start:

• Create inclusive policies: Make sure your HR policies explicitly protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Go beyond compliance, set the tone for zero tolerance.
• Normalise pronoun: Include pronouns in email signatures and encourage open conversations around gender identity. This small act goes a long way in signalling respect and inclusion.
• Invest in meaningful training: Run regular sessions that go beyond the basics including workshops on inclusive language, unconscious bias, and how to be an ally. 
• Review recruitment practices: Look at your job ads, onboarding materials and application processes to ensure they’re welcoming to all. Cut the jargon and make sure your team reflects the diversity you want to attract.
• Prioritise psychological safety: Build a culture where people feel safe to speak up without fear of judgement. That’s where belonging starts and wellbeing thrives.

This Pride Month, we’re standing with our LGBTQIA+ clients, colleagues, and community to keep pushing for equity, understanding, and access to support that truly makes a difference.

If your organisation wants to create a workplace where every individual feels seen, safe and supported — Talk Works can help. From inclusive mental health training to consultancy and therapy, we’re here to build better workplaces together.