Pride Means Having a Moment to Celebrate Diversity Together: An Interview With Joyce Dielissen

myGwork spoke to Joyce Dielissen, General Manager, WunderLocke, Munich at edyn to discuss Pride; what it means to her, how organizations can celebrate the month authentically, reminiscing on previous year and looking ahead and what the LGBTQ+ needs next.

Hi Joyce – can you tell us more about yourself?

Hi folks my name is Joyce. I started with Locke, one of the edyn brands, on the 1st of January and am on a quest to open WunderLocke, a lifestyle aparthotel in the south of Munich this year.

I feel honored that I can share my thoughts on Pride Month here, however at the same time, I feel a little anxious too.

Anxious as I am aware that some of my answers are not always shared and valued by everyone.

For exactly that reason, I’ve decided to share my personal beliefs on Pride Month and on being Queer here, as these days no one should feel anxious to share what they stand for and represent who they are.

As a Dutch woman, coming from a small town, it was not easy to come out as a Lesbian woman whilst still being at high school.

I had the word Lesbian or Gay shouted at me through the hallways. Some people turned their back on me, some told me I was weird, others were scared I would fall in love with them. I hate to break it to the world but being a lesbian woman does not make me prone to fall in love with every woman in the world.

After finishing high school I started my studies at Hotelschool The Hague. During and after my studies I was fortunate enough to work in Winterberg, Cong, The Hague, Berlin, London and Munich.

By living in various countries and both small and large cities, it made me realize that the level of acceptance and awareness for the LGBT+ community varies strongly.

Living in Munich, the 3rd largest city in Germany, I am still being stared at when walking hand in hand with my girlfriend.

Whilst signing our housing rental contract as a couple this year, we were asked why we did not have boyfriends as we seemed like lovely girls.

These comments seem small on the surface but it is the cumulation of these that sink deep in our unconsciousness.

For years I felt like an alien, as if I was different from everyone else, in a bad way.

Now having lived exactly half of my life as a lesbian woman, I feel like I am different from everyone else, in a good way, and I could not be more proud.

This month is Pride month – what does Pride mean to you?

To me, Pride means having a moment to celebrate diversity together. It allows all of us the freedom to be ourselves, regardless of how we self-identify.

It is a chance to fully be me and connect with like-minded individuals, creating a sense of togetherness.

And why do you think Pride is important?

Pride is important as it raises awareness for all sorts of people from the LGBTQ+ community. It can be a great event to start a dialog, making the topic easier to talk about. The more we discuss what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, the likelier it is we increase general acceptance and tolerance.

This year, we have once again seen many physical Pride events cancelled, do you think it is still important to mark the day in other ways? Will you be attending any digital Pride events?

For me personally, the charm is to meet at a physical place, enjoying each other’s company and attending events in real life.

However, I think it is important to keep the momentum going by having alternative digital events. I will attend CSD in Munich this year, whether I will attend other Prides is depending on what speakers and cultural programing is on.

What’s your best Pride memory?

My best pride memory was attending the London Pride a couple of years back. The streets were filled with all colors of life. I remember loud music, drinks and confetti flying around.

I saw costumes that would make table dancers blush and outfits that would even stand out during carnival.

I felt free as a bird, not being judged or looked at weirdly. It felt like everyone in the crowd accepted me for who I am and for my version of love.

I noticed I was less self-conscious whilst dancing, holding hand and just being me. This is what inclusion feels like and therefore it should be present in everyday life.

What was the first Pride you attended? How do you think things have changed since then?

My first LGBT+ event was a Pink Saturday that is organized once a year in Tilburg in the Netherlands. I remember being very curious to meet new people as there weren’t many like-minded people in my hometown.

The event itself was great, however, I noticed there was quite a lot of aggression and violence. Some gay guys kissing were being yelled at.

I can’t judge if this has changed since then, I can just hope that the LGBT+ community (and everyone for that matter) feels safe attending this great event.

What do you hope is accomplished by this time next year?

Next year is a short period of time, however, in the near future, I hope that same-sex marriage is available for everyone, regardless of where you live.

I also would wish that same-sex couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples. Generally, I hope there will be less violence towards the LGBT+ community.

Ideally making it so accepted that young people feel comfortable coming out and not feel alone.

What advice would you give to someone attending Pride for the first time?

When attending pride for the first time, have an open mind. Try to fully take in a unique atmosphere, without judgement and prejudice.

Enjoy the company of others and allow yourself to learn from individuals that are very different from you.

Perhaps research what cultural programming is on so you can sign up for events that you are most interested in.

What can we all do to make sure Pride is inclusive for all LGBTQ+ people?

Until we are at the point where the LGBTQ+ community is 100% accepted, I find it important to invest in security so all attendees feel safe.

Besides, it would be great if large cities and even countries promote Pride and LGBTQ+ events, showing support on a national level. Why not make International Pride day a recognized bank holiday for all?

How has edyn decided to mark Pride this year?

At edyn we have the 'courage to be me series', allowing inspiring individuals to share their story of inclusion and equality.

Besides we are made aware of the community of myGwork, allowing us to sign up and explore a wide range of events, webinars and support network for the LGBTQ+ community.

During this month we also share stories of our very own LGBTQ+ representatives that work at edyn. Opening up the dialog for anyone that wants to participate.

Do you think it’s important for organisations to celebrate Pride?

Yes, it is. It is a statement both internally and externally what values and priorities the company stands. It makes people like myself feel acknowledge and recognized for who they are.

Besides it allows the entire company to celebrate together, creating a sense of togetherness and belonging.

What tips would you give to an organisation celebrating Pride for the first time?

Just do it. Participate and celebrate. Find internal ambassadors that can share their story on behalf of the company.

In most organizations people are the most valuable asset, allowing them to be their true selves and participating in any event they want without feeling judged should be a given.