Elevating the voice of LGBTQi+ employees is key to Toyota’s vision of building a diverse organisation that echoes inclusive society. Across Europe Toyota employees took part in Pride events to show that Toyota is a workplace where you can truly ‘Be Yourself!’ and celebrate our LGBTQi+ community.
Be yourself: Toyota celebrates Pride 2023
Celebrating diversity and inclusion at Toyota during Pride and all year round
24/07/2023
Mirai joins Pride March in Germany
In Germany, Toyota employees joined the 1.4 million-strong Cologne Pride March. Surrounded by an array of flags, banners and a rainbow covered Mirai, the Toyota group rallied to demonstrate their support towards diversity, human rights, and the LGBTQi+ community. Besides the Pride March, Toyota Germany’s also celebrated a Pride Day at their Head Office and commemorated the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) in May.
“Toyota believes that a bright future can only be created by embracing Diversity. And by joining the CSD Parade in Cologne we are signalling that we value each individual in our company and beyond.”
Andre Schmidt – President, Toyota Germany
Proud Across Europe
In Italy, Toyota marched to highlight their commitment to ‘Respect for People’, one of the core Toyota pillars. During Roma Pride their presence testified the importance of welcoming, protecting, and embracing the uniqueness of all. Toyota in Spain hosted conferences, Pride bakeries, and art exhibitions, whereas colleagues in Great Britain created a collage of statements about ‘What Pride Means to Them’. And these are just a few examples of the amazing support Toyota have shown across Europe during Pride Month.
Pride 2023 at Toyota Europe
Meanwhile, at the Toyota Motor Europe (TME) in Belgium, we celebrated this year’s Pride theme ‘Be Yourself’, where our ‘All Colours of the Rainbow’ (ACOR) group hosted a range of events. ACOR and other TME employees took part in the ‘Protect the Protest’ Brussels Pride March with their biggest turn out yet. June ended with Toyota Pride Week, with TME Chief Diversity Officer Kylie Jimenez calling to action for allyship. The week closed with a fundraising concert for ILGA– the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association, featuring a local Drag artist.
“By raising the Pride flag Toyota sends out a clear message: we don’t tolerate unequal treatment, discrimination, and hatred and we are committed to creating a truly inclusive and equitable workplace.”
Kylie Jimenez, TME, Chief Diversity Officer
All Colours of the Rainbow (ACOR)
Founded by the community for the community, ACOR is an employee-led network with a mission to make Toyota Europe a great place to work for LGBTQi+ people. Since 2021they have been a catalyst for change by providing a welcoming space for the community and allies, raising awareness through events and activities, and advising on DE&I polices. Using data captured through a self-identity and inclusion survey, ACOR are addressing key areas to further the visibility and inclusion of LGBTQi+ people at Toyota Europe, using Pride as an opportunity to bring awareness to these issues.
