Let me be honest: I’ve never written a blog post before and I’m not particularly vocal on social media or professional networking sites. My first draft of this post was what I thought a blog post should look like – optimistic, professional…sanitised. I submitted a draft, but then decided I needed to use this opportunity to also reflect on what’s happening around us in 2025, and how this is very much influenced by the place I choose to spend 40 (ish) hours of my life each week.

At the start of the year I was considering my next career move, and I had a very important question to consider with any future job offer: is this company going to participate in rainbow-washing?

I’ve worked at companies with beautifully-worded diversity statements that were well-crafted, well-publicised, and ultimately, performative. But behind closed doors, the reality often looked different. I’ve seen colleagues hesitate to bring their authentic selves to work, unsure if they would be met with acceptance or quiet judgement. I’ve felt the fatigue of working in environments where DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) was treated as a “nice to have” rather than a non-negotiable. Inclusion can so easily be dismissed as too “political” for the workplace.

During the interview process, I asked directly about how Thunder approaches inclusivity – not just in hiring practices, but in how they build and embrace culture for everyone once they’re here. In a year when many organisations rolled back DEIB efforts, choosing to tread carefully instead of supporting human rights, I was looking for a place where belonging wasn’t up for debate. What I found was a company where the message was simple: Everyone at Thunder Belongs.

From the start, Thunder was transparent about where progress had been made – and where work remained. What stood out was the consistent commitment to DEIB at every level of the organization. This wasn’t a box to check; it was a value to uphold.

Since joining, I’ve seen that commitment in action – how we show up for each other, in the spaces we make for different voices and identities, and in the intentional work behind the scenes to build better habits, systems, and outcomes. I’ve only been at Thunder a short while, but the global politics of belonging have changed dramatically in just the last few months. I was immediately concerned when I saw massive organizations cave to political pressure, and I was anxious that I would witness the same thing happen at Thunder. I reached out to our leadership to share my concern, and I was immediately reassured that not only would Thunder never compromise their values, but they would continue to be an ally and champion them. If it becomes necessary to stand out and proud, I know that our entire leadership team will join us at the front lines.

As we celebrate Pride Month, I’m reminded of how rare – and how important – that kind of environment truly is. Visibility matters. Representation matters. And so does the everyday experience of belonging. In 2025, I worry about the safety of those who attend Pride festivities. I worry about artists whose livelihoods are being threatened, persecuted and targeted with violence – encouraged by global corporations who won’t stand for human rights if it might cost them political opportunities. Pride is not about asking for special treatment, it’s demanding the same treatment as everybody else for people regardless of how they identify.

I am fortunate that I do not have to worry about any of that at my place of work. I also recognise the privilege of being able to choose where I work. I know what good enough looks like, but I also know what authentic looks like. When Thunder adopts its rainbow branding this month, it will not be a case of “rainbow-washing” – it will be authentic support for the community I am a part of. During onboarding, Thundercats are encouraged to add a personal message to their email signature. Without hesitation, mine is (and shall remain) “Everyone at Thunder Belongs.”

#PrideAtThunder #EveryoneAtThunderBelongs #DEIBMatters