Pride is a reminder for us all to be a bit more humane

Martyn Evans index

Thoughtless language and design can exclude people who are different, says Martyn Evans

It’s Pride month. Westminster City Hall, across Victoria Street from us, is proudly flying a large rainbow flag and our office is festooned with smaller flags stuck to monitors. As with all days, weeks and months devoted to raising awareness of political issues, it’s a moment to reflect on the lie of the land.

When I started working in the property industry almost 30 years ago, I don’t think l’d have readily talked openly about being gay. I never wanted to hide it – I was out of the closet since I went to college – but there is a world of difference between being out and feeling at home and comfortable in the everyday workplace. I’m older now, more confident and in a position in my company where, if you don’t like it, it doesn’t really impact on me, but I do wonder how it is for younger people just starting out in an industry that still feels to me particularly… laddish.

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