Rio Tinto is showing its support for the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual) community through a new three-year partnership with Pride WA.
Pride WA is a not-for-profit member-based organisation that champions and supports the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQIA+ community in Western Australia.
Pride WA’s partnership with Rio Tinto will support PrideFEST, an event that celebrates and benefits local LGBTQIA+ community members, charities, service providers, social groups, and the wider WA community throughout the month of November.
PrideFEST will host a series of sports, arts, cultural events and activities, including the historic Pride parade through Northbridge on November 23.
“This partnership paves the way for greater acceptance and inclusion and shows that Rio Tinto values their LGBTQIA+ employees, as well as our Western Australian LGBTQIA+ community,” Pride WA chief executive officer (CEO) Lauren Butterly said.
“Supporting celebrations such as PrideFEST helps employees to feel proud and empowered to be themselves, especially at their place of work.”
The partnership will also provide Pride WA and Rio Tinto with new opportunities to develop awareness and education initiatives that support the LGBTQIA+ community and promote safe and inclusive workplaces in the Australian mining industry.
“Western Australia is home to a vibrant, diverse and unique LGBTQIA+ community and Rio Tinto is proud to sponsor Pride WA and support this wonderful community,” Rio Tinto iron ore CEO Simon Trott said.
“As one of Western Australia’s largest employers, we deeply value our LGBTQIA+ team members and remain committed to building a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves.”
Approximately 100 Rio Tinto employees are set to march alongside the company’s float in the PrideFEST parade.
“We are really excited to be part of this year’s PrideFEST parade and we encourage everyone to come along and celebrate with us,” Trott said.
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