Promoting Equality and Inclusivity: UnionBankers Join the RUNRIO Pride Run 2024
By: Neil Patrick G. Nepomuceno
UnionBankers joined the recent RUNRIO Pride Run 2024, an event dedicated to promoting equality and raising awareness about the rights and gender preferences of LGBTQIA+ members.
Among the UnionBankers who joined was AJ from the Human Resources department. She shared her experience, saying, “It was actually my first Pride Run and the experience was truly heartwarming. People were creative with their costumes, and despite the Manila heat, they were happily participating in the event. Pride Run, as some may have previously and currently perceived, is focused on the LGBTQIA+ community, so I was actually surprised to see a diverse and inclusive set of runners. We ran alongside PWDs and Allies like myself and other ka-HRs (Jamilah, Japhet, Bianca, Atty. Pao, etc.), and fellow UnionBankers from different units.”
AJ expressed her admiration for the inclusive spirit of the event, stating, “Much respect to everyone who boldly supports Pride and helps lessen the stigma that this event is solely for the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Jam Salvador from the Learning and Development team also joined the run, sharing her unique perspective on the experience. “Joining Pride Run 2024 was an unforgettable experience because it had a lot of ‘firsts’ for me. One, I never liked running until recently, and Pride Run felt like hitting two birds with one stone – celebrating Pride and accomplishing my first-ever race. Second, I’ve met UnionBankers who I had only talked to via MS Teams and Viber, and when we met personally, there was no awkwardness. We were all smiles and excitement for the Pride Run.”
She concluded with an encouraging message for those considering participating in future PRIDE awareness events. “I hope UnionBankers realize that participating in Pride-related programs provides a big impact on the LGBTQIA+ community, especially when it is rooted in genuine support and interest. These activities are ways to meet people, learn about their experiences and needs, and gain different perspectives. Above all, celebrating Pride goes beyond June – it’s about fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion all year round!”
UnionBank is continuously exploring more ways to make LGBTQIA+ members of their workforce feel accepted. By joining pride run events and augmenting its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts through DEI-focused bazaars and career story videos featuring successful working moms and diverse employees, UnionBank demonstrates its commitment to a more inclusive and supportive workplace.