Rio Tinto has announced a three-year partnership with Pride WA to support and celebrate LGBTQIA+ people across the state.
The partnership will support PrideFEST, Western Australia’s signature event that celebrates and benefits local LGBTQIA+ community members, charities, service providers and social groups, as well as the wider Western Australian community.
The new partnership will also explore opportunities to jointly develop awareness and education initiatives that support the LGBTQIA+ community and promote safe and inclusive workplaces in the mining industry.
Pride WA CEO, Lauren Butterly, said that this partnership paves the way for greater acceptance and inclusion and shows that Rio Tinto values their LGBTQIA+ employees, as well as the Western Australian LGBTQIA+ community.
“Supporting celebrations such as PrideFEST helps employees to feel proud and empowered to be themselves, especially at their place of work,” Ms Butterly said.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Simon Trott, said that Western Australia is home to a vibrant, diverse and unique LGBTQIA+ community and that Rio Tinto is proud to sponsor Pride WA and support this wonderful community.
“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,” Mr Trott said.
“We are really excited to be part of this year’s PrideFEST Parade, and we encourage everyone to come along and celebrate with us.”
Approximately 100 Rio Tinto employees, guided by the company’s LGBTQIA+ advocacy group, will march proudly alongside the Rio Tinto float in the PrideFEST Parade on 23 November in Northbridge.
