One hundred from Alcoa march in Perth Pride Parade

About 100 Alcoa employees have taken part in Perth’s annual Pride Parade in support of Western Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community.

The bauxite miner’s participation in Pride WA’s 30th annual event was co-ordinated by Alcoa’s ally network EAGLE: Employees at Alcoa for Gay, Lesbian, bisexual and transgender Equality.

EAGLE lead and Pinjarra Alumina Refinery manager Mark Hodgson led the Alcoa team as they marched proudly in the November 27 parade. He said Alcoa’s passion for the event had only increased since the company began participating seven years ago.

“We were proud to march alongside members of the LGBTI community and allies from an array of business and community groups in a fun and public display of support and celebration,” Mr Hodgson said.

The Pride festival theme this year was R.E.S.P.E.C.T., with Pride WA calling for festival-goers to respect and celebrate difference.

“This year we look to acknowledge and celebrate our individuality and to pay respect to ourselves, to each other, and to our respective journeys as we celebrate R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,” Pride WA said.

In line with this year’s theme, Mr Hodgson said Alcoa was building an “everyone culture”, “where everyone can come to work and feel safe, equal and valued for who they are and the diversity of ideas and experiences they bring”.

“These events help make a difference by putting LGBTI inclusion on the agenda, and I know they make a difference to the lives of our employees, their friends and families,” he said.