Lesbian Visibility Week: “Life Is Too Beautiful to Be Hidden”

By Daria Duraj , Food and Beverage Manager at Andaz London Liverpool Street – a Concept by Hyatt.

In many countries, coming out is still a taboo so being yourself at work is a dream come true for a lot of us. I’m glad to work for Hyatt as we are brave and we keep on fighting and supporting underrepresented groups.

I've always been proud of who I am and coming out at work never interfered with my career because the people I work for are driven by results, and your sexual orientation does not impact how good you are at your job.

Left: Daria and her partner, Alex. Right: Daira at London Pride 2022

I am truly myself at work so that I can inspire others to have the strength to come out when it is the right time for them. Being gay should not be stopping you from having a great career! I want to build a better workplace and offer my support to those who are afraid to be themselves. Let’s create a better workplace where we are not afraid of differences. Life is too beautiful to be hidden- we need all of you!

I joined my first Hyatt Pride in 2017 thanks to the passion of Liam Rezende, former Senior Marketing and Communications Manager EAME and Global co-Chair for HyPride who started the HyPride chapter in the UK.

Since then I’ve been proudly representing Hyatt and my colleagues by not only marching but organizing events for the LGBTQ+ community too with the help of Melissa Brette Ogee, Director of Human Resources and Chair of Women@Hyatt UK chapter, here at Andaz London Liverpool Street, like Coming Out Day, Pink Triangle week, Pride month, and today for Lesbian Visibility Week.

Wearing purple for Coming Out Day at Andaz London Liverpool Street (left to right Liam Rezende, Daria Duraj, Melissa Brette Ogee and Otto Steenbeek, General Manager from 2025 to 2019)

These events are one of the many ways we can show support and create safe environments for all our colleagues so they can be their best.

Coming out is a stressful process. We don’t come out once, we are doing this a thousand times, and it is never easy.

According to me, the most difficult times are with our parents and the rest of the family. I’m lucky enough that my family and friends love me for the way I am.

I never experienced violence or abuse for being a lesbian, but I know I am one in a million.

Living in the UK allows me to live a normal life, my workplace gives me the freedom and security to be myself. It is all that I could dream of.

I really wish one day I will be able to go back to Poland and live a normal life with my family, I know there is a long way to go, but I believe that this will happen one day.

Hyatt UK at London Pride 2019