The LGBTQ+ community continually strives to ensure all people are accepted, embraced and enabled to be their true selves regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. In order to achieve this, they need the support and advocacy of allies to help spread the word and see lasting change is implemented.
To this end, the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards was established in 2023 to recognise and celebrate the many achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies across the U.K. An annual event that promotes the critical importance of LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the workplace, this year’s awards ceremony provided particular cause for celebration as Business Support Manager for L3Harris Karen Saunders was awarded Ally of the Year.
“Karen’s success at the awards demonstrates her admirable commitment as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Graeme Mackay, Vice President of L3Harris in the U.K. “She consistently advocates for her colleagues, drives initiatives to celebrate inclusion and creates safe spaces for dialogue and understanding within the workplace. Her proactivity, positivity and dedication to the LGBTQ+ community is a true inspiration.”
Setting an Example for Advocacy and Allyship
With hundreds of nominations put forward across all of the award categories, even achieving finalist status is something to be proud of. Hosted by BBC News Anchor Jane Hill at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, guest speakers at the event included Vice Admiral Phil Hally CB MBE, Chief of Defence People, and Caroline and Craig of Fighting With Pride: The LGBT+ Military Charity.
The U.K. Chapter of L3Harris’ PRIDE Employee Resource Group (ERG) and its members were shortlisted for awards in three different categories:
- Karen Saunders – Ally of the Year
- Joshua Tyers – Graduate or Apprentice of the Year
- L3Harris U.K. Chapter PRIDE ERG – LGBTQ+ Network Initiative of the Year
Winning the Ally of the Year award is an incredible achievement and a shining example of the dedication shown by the members of the PRIDE ERG.
“When I found out I was nominated for Ally of the Year, I was so surprised,” Saunders said. “My allegiance to the LGBTQ+ community feels like I’m just being myself a lot of the time by supporting friends and colleagues however I can. I always strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly and am passionate about doing so; it’s fantastic to have been recognised for this. I feel very proud of what the PRIDE ERG has managed to achieve and was extremely happy to receive this award in acknowledgement of my part in that as an ally.”
Regardless of the fact Saunders is not a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, she works hard to pave the way for other allies across the business to show their support for LGBTQ+ colleagues.
