DIVA meets with the LGBTQIA spokesperson for The Body Shop about the importance of being your authentic self at work and beyond
Erica was a senior leader at The Body Shop and has 30 years experience of working in the global Cosmetics and Toiletries sector. She was the LGBTQIA spokesperson for The Body Shop, completing national and local radio interviews, as well as participating in external and internal podcasts, webinars and panel discussions and led the organisation of their first Brighton Pride Parade.
She utilised her passion for EDIB to launch and co-chair The Body Shop’s LGBTQIA Employee Network, which springboarded the creation of their Mental Health, Gender Equity, Ethnicity and Disability Networks, as well as similar networks in sister companies. She continues to be an advocate for the support of Gender equality, Menopause and Mental Health in the workplace.
Erica is passionate about driving the EDIB agenda, promoting productive working environments and cultures where every individual can feel safe, and a sense of belonging and is empowered to achieve their full potential. Described by colleagues as energetic, ethical, solutions-focused focussed and an inspirational trailblazer.
OUTSpoken Speakers Network was launched on 28 September, providing a new platform to amplify, connect, and support LGBTQIA women and non-binary people. Co-founded by Polly Shute and Raga D’silva, the Network aims to provide a best-in-class speaker agency, expertly designed workshops and training, curated, bespoke panel sessions, networking events and online toolkits and digital content.
How important do you think it is to have inclusive representation in the cosmetics industry?
We all want to see ourselves represented, in our workplace, in the media or by our retailers; the cosmetics industry should be no different. If a cosmetics company desires long-lasting success, it needs to appeal to as many people as possible and must represent ‘everyone’ with its marketing without exclusion. No one should feel excluded, no one should have to ask themselves: why am I being directed to a particular ‘gender’ area for products e.g. fragrance, makeup etc.? Will there be a foundation choice for my skin colour? Will I be able to access stores, testers, and all products if I have a disability? People don’t want to feel uncomfortable when shopping, if they are comfortable, represented and included, they will return. (Of course, selling good quality products that are value for money will also help!)
What inspired you to launch the Body Shop’s LGBTQ+ Employee Network?
As a gay woman in a globally senior role, who had worked at The Body Shop for over 20 years, I was continuing to edit myself, my partner, and my personal life in my workplace. I still questioned what I said and to whom, with constant fear of acceptance or potential blockers to my career development and success. Where were my colleagues within the LGBTQIA community, I couldn’t ‘see’ any?!
So, a few of us got together and founded The Body Shop’s first employee network, our LGBTQ+ network. Finally a community of like-minded people; we could safely and comfortably share our lived experiences, we could gain strength and support. The encouragement from our Executive team added to this potent and energising mix. The journey to being confident in who we were within the workplace had begun! Immediately, my personal editing was reduced, and others shared similar experiences. We could finally begin to be our authentic selves, no longer wasting energy on “editing”. And this was just the very beginning…
What do you think businesses should be doing to foster a more welcoming environment for all?
Businesses and organisations should be seeking to understand their current community, identifying the representation levels across all minority groups across their colleague community. They should be striving to understand what their colleagues are feeling; do they feel included, is their voice heard, do they feel that they belong? And if they don’t, why not?
With this information, a business can take action to improve their diversity, to improve their approach to inclusion; by removing bias from recruitment, targeting groups that are underrepresented, and developing talent management processes that are equitable. If authentic action is taken, cultural change can begin, and colleagues will feel included and happier in the workplace.
An external consultancy company such as Unleashed.Org can assist companies and organisations in defining their strategy, action plan and training requirements to improve their equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging and recruit and retain the best talent.
External speakers with lived experience are a wonderful way to animate education. For women and non-binary representatives from the LGBTQIA community.
What do you want to say to other parents wanting to come out?
I have found joy in my role and experience as a gay parent witnessing the balanced, inclusive, empathetic adults that my children have developed into. I was already a parent when I came out; I was worried about the impact it would have on them and felt guilty, thankfully there was no need to.
The best piece of advice I can offer to other LGBTQIA parents is to try to remember that hormonal teenagers have challenges, and this isn’t specifically because you’re an LGBTQIA
parent, it’s probably nothing to do with you and who you are. Have faith in your parenting! Children are naturally adaptable; they want to feel loved and cared for; being a member of the LGBTQIA community won’t negatively impact that!
What advice do you have for other married lesbians navigating menopause?
Perimenopause and Menopause can be challenging times for many people, both mentally and physically. Additional difficulties are faced when you’re a member of the LGBTQIA community. Ensure you find a medical expert who you trust, who understands the challenges and reality for LGBTQIA people and who supports you to be your authentic self.
From my personal experience, this isn’t easy. I found a good NHS GP who has facilitated my initial access to HRT (Oestrogen & Progesterone). I now want to investigate Testosterone and am contemplating the private route to enable access to the currently unlicensed “female version” or take a chance with a difficult dosage using the “male version”. Meanwhile my wife and I manage to support each other through this Menopausal journey (most days unless our hormone roller-coasters clash!). I found useful information here: queermenopause.com
Find out more about OUTSpoken speakers here: www.outspokenspeakers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/outspoken-speakers-2888a4278/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outspoken_speakers/
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