Creating a workplace that celebrates LGBTQ+ women: An interview with Checkout.com's Sarah Dewick

In celebration of International Women's Day, we sat down with Sarah Dewick, Senior Brand Strategist at Checkout.com, to talk about her personal experiences as an LGBTQ+ woman, strategies for fostering diversity, and insights on how to build supportive environments for LGBTQ+ women.

Hi Sarah! Thanks for chatting with us! Could you share with us a time where you felt empowered and embraced as an LGBTQ+ woman in the workplace, especially during the celebration of International Women's Day?

Two things make me feel particularly embraced in the workplace as an LGBTQ+ woman. 1. When people don’t automatically assume I’m straight. Not having to correct people who ask about my ‘husband’ or the ‘father’ of my son is such a thrill! Those microaggressions are minor, but they add up over time and can make you feel other. 2. Being around other LGBTQ+ people in the workplace! The day I joined Checkout.com I signed up to the LGBTQI+ community and one of the community leaders at the time immediately reached out - making me feel welcome from day one.

Have you encountered any specific barriers or biases as an LGBTQ+ woman in the workplace? How have you navigated those and what advice would you give to others facing similar challenges?

When I started my career, I found myself in a toxic work environment. At the time, the only way I knew how to cope was by lying about my sexuality (a muscle I’d unfortunately built during my school years!). In turn, that left me feeling pretty low and anxious. When I walked away from that job, I made a promise to myself that I would never let myself be in that position again. Over the years, what’s truly helped me reclaim my confidence and authenticity has been finding allies—people I can trust to be myself around, without compromise. I’ve also been more conscious of checking out a company’s employer brand when I’m in an interview process; do they have stories from LGBTQ+ people, do they hero their communities, etc? Is it a place I want to work, and is it a place I can be myself?

What advice would you give to LGBTQ+ women who may be facing discrimination or struggling to find their place in the workplace, particularly as we celebrate International Women's Day?

For LGBTQ+ women facing discrimination or struggling to find their place in the workplace, my advice would be to prioritize your well-being while seeking out spaces where you can feel seen and supported. It’s important to remember that your identity is valid, and you don’t have to sacrifice who you are to succeed. Look for allies—whether they’re colleagues, mentors, or community groups—who can advocate for you.

Can you share any initiatives or strategies that have been successful in fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace for LGBTQ+ women, particularly during International Women's Day?

Having community groups are a baseline for fostering inclusivity in the workplace. Beyond that, Checkout.com currently offers Carrot which is an inclusive fertility benefit - this benefit helped me and my wife have our son via IVF, a journey that was emotionally and financially tough! Having the support of my workplace via Carrot made my journey feel seen and shared - as well as making it financially easier.

In your opinion, why is it important to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ women, both on International Women's Day and throughout the year?

Celebrating the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ women is important because it helps ensure their contributions aren’t overlooked. It’s about making sure they’re represented, challenging stereotypes, and giving future generations role models to look up to - hopefully with each generation, there will be more and more visible representation. Whether on International Women’s Day or throughout the year, it’s a reminder that true progress comes from recognizing and celebrating all kinds of women.