Coles has introduced up to 10 days of paid gender affirmation leave for trans and gender-diverse team members as part of its commitment to building a strong Pride network.
Coles has also signed up as an official partner of Pride Cup Australia, which promotes inclusivity and diversity in sport. The partnership aligns with Coles’ focus on health and wellbeing; recognising that the ability to participate in sport without discrimination is critical to living healthy and happy lives.
David Brewster, Chief Legal and Safety Officer, Coles, and chair of the Coles Pride Steering Committee, said these announcements are an important step for Coles’ commitment to Champion LGBTQI+ inclusion in the workplace and further into the Australian community.
“We know that we have at least 900 team members who identify as transgender or gender diverse. We need to have proper policy and education in this area so there is clear guidance around taking leave for this important transition in their life,” Brewster said.
“Our Pride network has grown significantly over the past year, and we have Pride committees in every state, driving activity and engagement at a local level. Our partnership with Pride Cup Australia will help ensure that LGBTQI+ athletes at all levels can play sport in a safe place in all communities around Australia. Our goal is for the program to reach regional and rural areas as well as in metropolitan locations.”
James Lolicato, CEO, Pride Cup Australia, said that Pride Cup Australia advocates for LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport, working across all levels of sporting organisations from national leagues to local community clubs.
“When I was growing up, homophobic comments were thrown around the field more than the ball was. I didn’t feel welcome or safe to be myself in sport. To now see Pride Cup games being held in so many sports across the country is incredible. We know that sports clubs are at the very heart of so many communities; these events make real inroads for LGBTQI+ inclusion far beyond game day,” he said.
“We are so delighted that Coles is supporting our organisation because as part of our partnership, Coles will help Pride Cup Australia expand their reach to over 750 clubs annually across Australia, by 2025.”
Hello Coles,
Please stick to selling groceries. I have no problem in helping
“anyone” but this is simply not appropriate. How about the employee who needs extra time off to assist a family member who is disabled ?? Where does it end. You are in the business of selling groceries not social justice ! Stop this madness clearly David Brewster this is your personal agenda just stop it. Due to this stand I will no longer be a Coles customer.
Coles, you have lost me, I have ALDI and Woolworths stores close by so they will be getting my business. I have been using Coles weekly for many years and fail to see why my $$$’s spent plus, shareholders funds go to a specific group of people just because they have convinced you they have special needs. Many people have special needs and fend for themselves just have the LGBTQ group over the past many years.