TL;DR
- Gareth Hewson reflects on his journey in the LGBTQ+ community.
- He emphasizes the importance of workplace inclusion and support.
- Hewson volunteers for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and promotes diversity.
- He warns against complacency in the fight for equality.
- CGI actively participates in Pride events and supports LGBTQ+ charities.
In a world where progress feels like a tightrope walk, Gareth Hewson, a shining star at CGI, knows that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. Growing up in a small Welsh town, he faced the shadow of Section 28 and the stigma surrounding AIDS, leaving him feeling different and scared to embrace his true self. But now, he’s not just a survivor; he’s a champion for change.
“What we have achieved can easily be taken away again,” Hewson warns. He’s not just talking about his personal journey but the broader landscape of LGBTQ+ rights. With a career that has taken him from retail to tech, Hewson found his footing in the LGBTQ+ community later in life, and he’s making up for lost time by advocating for inclusion at CGI.
Joining the LGBT+ & Allies network at CGI was a game-changer for him. “It felt like I had lots of time to make up for,” he says, reflecting on the joy of participating in the Pride in London parade. “Seeing so much joy was amazing. Work achievements are great, but this will always be the standout to me.” It’s not just about marching in parades; it’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels safe to be themselves.
Hewson’s passion doesn’t stop at CGI. He volunteers with Journey, providing support for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, embodying the spirit of community and allyship. “We all need to have a better understanding of each other,” he emphasizes, urging the LGBTQ+ community and allies to unite. “What we have achieved can easily be taken away again. We need to build work environments where everyone feels safe to be themselves, in every country of the world.”
But it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. Hewson expresses concern over organizations pulling Pride sponsorships and cutting back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. “We have just made amazing steps forward; we cannot go backwards now,” he asserts. His words echo a sentiment many in the community share: the fight for equality is ongoing, and complacency is not an option.
As he looks to the future, Hewson envisions a world where understanding and appreciation of diverse backgrounds are the norm. “We need to listen, learn, and support each other more than ever,” he says, reminding us that every step forward is a victory worth fighting for. With leaders like Hewson at the helm, the journey towards a more inclusive world is not just a dream; it’s a mission.
CGI’s partnership with myGwork, the LGBTQ+ business community, is a testament to their commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. As we celebrate the strides made in LGBTQ+ rights, let’s remember that the fight is far from over. Together, we can ensure that progress is not just a fleeting moment but a lasting legacy.