Leading with PRIDE: We meet the business school students making education more inclusive for all

• Names: Jornt Depreter and Pieter Vermeersch, co-founders of the Vlerick Alumni Fierce & Proud Club
• Business School: Vlerick Business School
• Programmes: Executive Master in Business Administration (MBA)

Can you share your overall experiences as LGBTQ+ students in business school?

As students at Vlerick Business School, we were open about our sexuality and found the environment generally positive and supportive. However, we noticed other LGBTQ+ students faced challenges, highlighting the need for continued inclusivity efforts.

Despite the school’s supportive atmosphere, the business field remains predominantly male-dominated, which can create an additional layer of difficulty for LGBTQ+ individuals striving to be their authentic selves.

Were there any specific resources, groups, or support systems available for LGBTQ+ students at your school? How did they help you?

Vlerick Business School wanted better support systems for LGBTQ+ students. This is why we took the initiative to create a more inclusive environment. A pivotal moment was during our MBA trip to San Francisco, which coincided with the San Francisco Pride Festival. In collaboration with Vlerick, we encouraged our classmates to participate in the Pride Festival, created flyers, t-shirts, and motivated all business students to join us.

This initiative not only highlighted the need for an LGBTQ+ support network but also inspired us to establish one for Vlerick Business School alumni. Our goal is to ensure future students and alumni have a robust and inclusive support system, promoting diversity and acceptance within the business school community.

Can you describe any challenges you faced as LGBTQ+ students during your time in business school?

In our class group at Vlerick Business School, there was a larger representation of LGBTQ+ individuals, which made it relatively easy to be authentic and comfortable during our time at the school.

However, challenges remain at networking events. In these settings, questions about our personal lives often required a confident response to avoid going back into the closet. Keeping your authenticity as an LGBTQ+ person in business remains a recurring challenge.

Have your experiences as LGBTQ+ individuals influenced your career choices and path after business school?

Living and working in Belgium, a country known for its high acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, has allowed us to pursue our careers with relatively few negative experiences. We both learned to make it a point to mention our sexuality during the interview process for a new job to ensure that the company is tolerant and inclusive.

Through our alumni network, we have connected with individuals working in blue-collar environments who face greater challenges in being open about their sexuality at work. This disparity highlights the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces across all sectors. By sharing our experiences and advocating for LGBTQ+ acceptance, we aim to contribute to a more tolerant and supportive professional landscape for everyone.

What challenges have you faced in the business world related to your LGBTQ+ identities, and how have you overcome them?

In the business world, each new job and encounter with unfamiliar people can push LGBTQ+ individuals back into the closet. While this might seem insignificant to some, our experience and that of many in our alumni organisation have shown that being open about one’s sexuality at work is crucial for maintaining confidence and authenticity.

“Our goal is to ensure future students and alumni have a robust and inclusive support system, promoting diversity and acceptance within the business school community.”

A solution is building strong support networks both within and outside our workplaces. By fostering connections with colleagues who are allies, and participating in LGBTQ+ professional groups, we create a safer space for ourselves and others.

Do you feel that businesses are becoming more inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ+ employees? Why or why not?

There is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion, which has led to more initiatives and policies aimed at creating supportive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals. However, it is crucial for businesses to actively work on these efforts, ensuring that LGBTQ+ employees are included and given opportunities to grow and advance in their careers.

Significant challenges remain, particularly for transgender individuals who often face more barriers to building a professional career. Continuous efforts are needed to address these issues and create truly inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.

What advice would you give to current LGBTQ+ business students about navigating business school and preparing for their careers?

See your LGBTQ+ identity as a strength. Your unique perspective and resilience can be powerful tools in navigating business school and building a successful career. Embrace who you are, leverage your experiences, and let your confidence shine.

Also, avoid the closet whenever possible. Hiding who you are can erode your confidence and authenticity. However, only come out if you feel truly ready. It’s important to prioritize your safety and personal well-being above all else.

How can business schools improve their support and inclusion of LGBTQ+ students?

Similar to Vlerick Business School it’s important to stimulate students and alumni to build support groups. This can grow into a platform for networking, mentorship, and advocacy. These networks not only foster a sense of community but also offer valuable resources and support for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout their academic and professional journey.

Furthermore, actively participating in events such as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT) or Pride celebrations can send a powerful message of solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ communities. By publicly demonstrating their commitment to diversity and inclusion, business schools can create a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students and faculty.

What can companies do to better support LGBTQ+ employees and create an inclusive workplace culture?

We think it’s important to encourage employee resource groups focused on LGBTQ+ awareness. These groups can organize events, invite speakers to share their experiences, and facilitate open dialogue.

Moreover, implementing and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination sends a clear message that all employees are valued and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Publicly expressing support during significant events like the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT), as well as participating in Pride events, demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity.

On a more personal level, we advise to talk to LGBTQ+ employees to understand their experiences in the workplace. By soliciting their feedback and actively involving them in discussions about inclusivity efforts, companies can gain valuable insights into how to create a more welcoming environment.

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