20 Jun

Celebrating Pride at Steeper

Did you know the first Pride Parade was held in 1970 in New York City, on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots where the gay rights movement protested police brutality and discrimination? Since then, Pride has evolved into an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and a call to action for equality and acceptance.

Here at Steeper, our employees and patients come from all corners of the globe, and display a variety of characteristics, be they physical, emotional, or spiritual. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and an Investors In People accredited workplace. We believe in providing an inclusive workplace where employees are able to embrace their ‘whole’ selves and achieve the best for themselves, the team, our patients, and our business.

As part of our ‘Stand Together’ value, we encourage our employees to display their pronouns in email signatures to stand with our LGBTQ+ team members and aid better communication with those working in remote locations. Additionally, our Mental Health First Aiders are there to aid those who may be struggling with their sexuality or gender identity and point them in the right direction for additional help if needed.

When asked about his experience working at Steeper, HSE and Facilities Supervisor, Winston Mason said, “Right from my first interview with Steeper, the atmosphere was incredibly welcoming, and I felt comfortable being who I am (which isn’t always the case even in today’s world!). Throughout my 6 years working for Steeper I haven’t experienced judgement, negativity, or any kind of discrimination because of my sexuality and feel proud to work for a company with such positive values.”

This pride month, we’re celebrating our LGBTQ+ team members, patients, and friends by holding our first annual Pride event! Each year, the last Thursday of June will be a special day to show our solidarity and support to anyone whether they be ‘out’, feeling confused, ‘in’, struggling with their sexuality or flying the flag loud and proud. Our view is that everyone should feel happy and proud to be their ‘whole’ selves at work, when receiving treatment from out many Prosthetists and Orthotists, or when visiting any one of our locations.

On Thursday 29^th June, we’re encouraging everyone at Steeper to be ‘loud and proud’ by wearing colourful outfits, individually or as a team, and there will be a prize for the ‘best dressed’. Our teams will be donning their brightest gear, shiniest sequins and as always, being their most fabulous selves to show support for colleagues, friends, and patients alike. In addition, team members will show their solidarity by attending local Pride Parades up and down the country!

We’ll also be raising money for our charity partner, Action for Children, who provide support to children and young people, including those who may be struggling with their sexuality or gender identity; young people like Charlie. You can read Charlie’s incredible story and more about how they support the LGBTQ+ community on their website:

Read Charlie's Story

Whilst this will be our first Pride event at Steeper, we want to make each year bigger, brighter, and better! If you have any suggestions, please contact marketingteam@steepergroup.com

Celebrating Pride at Steeper

Steeper Group - Our Insights