#POPCelebratesPride: Voices from POP’s LGBTQIA+ Community and Allies
June is Pride Month — and an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the incredible contributions of LGBTQIA+ people. At POP, we believe creativity thrives when people can show up exactly as they are. Visibility, dignity, and belonging aren’t “nice to have” values; they’re the foundation for great teams, brave ideas, and work that resonates.
For Pride Month, we brought together reflections from team members across POP — both members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies — on what Pride means in their lives, how it shows up at work, and why support has to extend well beyond June.
These reflections are a reminder of the role each of us plays in making our spaces safer and more inclusive — in the office, in our personal lives, and everywhere in between. Whether it’s standing up to harmful narratives or simply making space for others to be themselves, these voices remind us that true inclusion means no one has to shrink to fit in.
Eduardo Batista, Senior Account Director, UK
“Pride is not about privilege. It is about visibility, dignity, and the freedom to live authentically.
As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I believe there is something powerful in showing up as your true self. Not only for your own happiness and growth, but also because authenticity can give others the courage to embrace who they are. Representation matters, and every person living openly helps create a world where others feel a little less alone.
Pride reminds us that love is not a threat, that being yourself should never require bravery, and that no one should carry shame for who they love or how they identify.
Pride Month will remain important for as long as there are places in the world where people are denied the freedom to love openly simply because of who they love.
And while June is a beautiful time to celebrate, support, respect, and inclusion should extend far beyond a single month. They are values to be lived all year round.
And remember, people who love openly are not the threat. Hate is.”
Jeff Corrin, Production Operations Director, UK
“Pride means being able to live honestly and openly – and recognising the courage it takes for many people to do that. It’s about celebrating individuality, but also showing respect for one another and not judging how others choose to live their lives.
It’s about standing alongside others to make sure everyone feels accepted, supported, and safe to be themselves.
It feels especially important to celebrate Pride right now, at a time when there’s increasing divisiveness and misconceptions about marginalised communities. That shift in narrative can be dangerous, which makes visibility, allyship, and speaking up even more important.
For me, Pride is both a celebration and a reminder of the role we all play in creating a more inclusive and respectful world.”
Samuel Merritt, Senior Account Executive, NYC
“Pride is important to me because it highlights the value of authenticity, inclusion, and belonging. It serves as a reminder of the progress made toward LGBTQ+ equality while reinforcing the importance of creating environments where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to be themselves.
In the workplace, Pride reflects the belief that diverse perspectives strengthen teams, foster innovation, and contribute to a culture where all employees can thrive and do their best work.”
Kate Johnson, Senior Vice President – Operations, UK – ALLY
“As an ally, Pride is about acceptance, standing alongside my LGBTQ+ friends, colleagues and family, and making it clear that they are seen, valued and celebrated for exactly who they are.
It’s about inclusion and using my voice and the spaces I’m in to hold the door open, listen, learn, and make sure no one is left standing outside.
And most of all, it’s about the friends and bonds that have shaped me, the people who have trusted me with their stories, the chosen families I’ve been welcomed into, and the community whose courage and joy I’m proud to stand beside.”
Lani Carstens, Global Vice President – Client Services, UK – ALLY
“I’m a proud ally of Pride, not just in June, but every single day.
I strive to show up for the community – my colleagues, friends, and family, in the best way I can: with respect, compassion, and understanding.
No one should ever feel marginalised. Everyone deserves to be welcomed and encouraged to live and love freely, without judgement.”
Patricia Odysseos-Gohil, Post Producer, UK – ALLY
“True inclusion means building a world where no one has to shrink to fit in — where we are all equal, all loved, and all celebrated for the beautifully unique people we are.”
June may give us a reason to celebrate — but LGBTQIA+ people exist and deserve visibility all year round. Pride doesn’t stop when the calendar turns over. Now more than ever, it’s important to stand up for marginalized and vulnerable members of our community.
Want to learn more or get involved? Check out GLAAD, an organization advocating for LGBTQIA+ acceptance and visibility in the media; the Human Rights Campaign, which promotes legal rights in the US; ILGA-Europe, which promotes the same throughout Europe and Central Asia; TransActual, which focuses on affirming and equal healthcare for transgender people in the UK; or your local LGBTQIA+ organization.
And of course, don’t forget to follow POP on Instagram and LinkedIn to never miss a celebration of our people!
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