June is Pride Month, and this year EBCONT accompanied it with various activities. Once again, it was celebrated appropriately with an EBCONT Pride boat trip, featuring around 150 internal guests, to promote greater visibility.
For the first time, the internal EBCONT Rainbow Run took place, with 26 participants raising almost €1,000 for an LGBTIQ+ organization, marking a resounding success.
The rainbow month was also complemented by participation in prominent panel discussions on EBCONT's Diversity Best Practices and lessons learned, such as at the DEI Summit, the Rainbow Day,—a career and networking fair for those who live and appreciate diversity—and at Pride partner events organized by Microsoft and Drei, where EBCONT experts are now welcome guests and contributors.
Carina Skladal, co-initiator of the EBCONT Diversity Initiative, is proud of what has been achieved so far: "I am delighted that we can once again conclude June with this very special EBCONT Pride Boat Lounge and hopefully carry this vibe beyond June. Today on the Danube, we will make a statement for acceptance, respect, and equal rights. Furthermore, the many vibrant colors should ensure visibility."
Johannes Litschauer, Managing Director of EBCONT, supports this clear statement: "We are a family business and bring together many cultures and diversities with our over 600 employees. We want to offer our colleagues a diverse home free from hate and discrimination."
Visibility was also the keyword for one of the evening's highlights. This year's Pride Boat Opening was highlighted by two community representatives: EBCONT colleague Daniel Schabauer, aka Erika Empire, and Felix Schiller, also known as drag artist and DJ, Die Schillerin.
Unvarnished and to the point, the two addressed in an interview the issues of private and professional coming out, legislation, and threats surrounding the community, and where we can collectively work for more respect and acceptance.
Daniel Schabauer: "There are homosexual and queer individuals everywhere. Being able to be a Drag Queen at your employer is not something taken for granted by God. We are a minority and we need support from straight allies!"
This support exists at EBCONT as well, where they show understanding and solidarity for the rights and equality of LGBTIQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, and others) individuals. They actively fight against discrimination and advocate for the recognition and acceptance of LGBTIQ+ people in society.
