Pride at HENNGE: A Celebration of Our Diversity
At HENNGE, we deeply value Diversity and Inclusion as fundamental pillars of our organization. We have been expressing our solidarity with various diverse groups, among which is LGBTQ+ community. HENNGE has been a proud supporter of the community through multiple external and internal initiatives throughout the year.
Externally, we sponsor and participate in the activities of a Japanese organization, “work with Pride ‘’ which promotes diversity management in corporate organizations of Japan with a focus on LGBTQ+. The highlight of our collaboration with the organization was our participation in Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023 in April, where we volunteered at “work with Pride” booth and marched in Pride Parade together with 14 other well-known companies. We were very proud to be at the forefront of the Parade, as one of our members was a DJ, performing a mix of famous LGBTQ+ related songs that helped deliver our “Voices for change.”
HENNGE also celebrated Pride Month internally in June this year. We hosted a series of engaging internal events to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. Through colorful installations, informative presentations, and inspiring discussions, we aimed to create an inclusive environment that fosters understanding, acceptance, and celebration of diverse identities. Here’s a glimpse into this special month’s vibrant and meaningful activities
We transformed into a vibrant space adorned with rainbow decorations to set the stage for Pride Month. We also invited all the members to participate in collaborative art and write their messages with “I am proud because” throughout the month. These symbols of diversity and inclusivity served as a visible reminder of our commitment to embracing all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, we displayed informative infographics that highlighted the significance of Pride Month and explained inclusive behaviors to strengthen allyship among our employees. We also provided a selection of books about the LGBTQ+ community in English and Japanese languages to encourage learning and dialogue.
To promote open conversations and understanding, we organized a “Pride Communication Lunch” where members gathered to enjoy a delicious variety of pride-themed food and listened to a fellow member’s insightful presentation about LGBTQ+ experiences. The presentation provided valuable knowledge about historical developments of LGBTQ+ rights, a celebration of Pride in the world, and our activities in HENNGE to express our support for our LGBTQ+ members. It helped to foster empathy among the attendees, promoting a more inclusive workplace culture.
As part of our efforts to amplify diverse voices, we hosted a series of “Pride Talks” featuring three speakers from our company who shared their personal stories and experiences related to the LGBTQ+ community. We were honored to hear stories about coming out and being openly gay in Japan, the unique experiences of bisexual individuals, and ways to be an ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, inspiring us with their courage and moving our members with their sincerity and vulnerability. Their powerful narratives not only deepened our understanding but also served as a catalyst for meaningful discussions around allyship, acceptance, and the ongoing work toward equality.
The “Pride Talks” event was followed by an afterparty where HENNGE members came together to celebrate further and connect. It allowed our employees to reflect on the valuable insights gained through the talks, engage in informal conversations, and build supportive relationships. The party was concluded with a first-ever karaoke night at HENNGE where all the members joined together to sing LGBTQ+ anthems!
Pride Month at HENNGE was an enriching and impactful experience that showcased our unwavering dedication to Diversity and Inclusion. Through our vibrant installations, informative presentations, and inspiring discussions, we aspired to create an environment where individuals felt valued, respected, and celebrated. Our commitment to fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding extends beyond Pride Month, as we continuously strive to build an inclusive community where every voice is heard and every identity is embraced.
