What is Urban Rainbow club all about and why was it founded?
Urban Rainbow Club is an LGBTQIA+ organization that supports and empowers all employees. It was founded to create a safe and inclusive work environment and spark dialogue through social events, activism and knowledge sharing. Urban Rainbow Club stands for equality, diversity, inclusivity and builds a space within Urban Sports Group to celebrate and embrace our differences. We demonstrate that everybody is welcome at Urban Sports Group.
How many employees are part of Urban Rainbow Club and how can you join?
Urban Rainbow Club is open to all Urban Sports Group employees. Everyone is welcome to join and bring their energy, ideas and influence. Currently the club consists of around 55 bright and beautiful employees.
What do you discuss in your meetings?
Right now we’re establishing how to identify and define what Urban Rainbow Club is all about. We discuss the initiatives we want to support, and how we can make Urban Sports Group even more inclusive. We’re also discussing how to celebrate Pride month and Christopher Street Day in Berlin this year.
Has Urban Rainbow Club raised awareness around LGBTQIA+ issues within Urban Sports Club?
Yes, even the existence of Urban Rainbow Club raises awareness. We introduced the concept in a group-wide meeting, and we include it in our onboarding process so every new employee has access right away and the option to join if they want. We’re delighted that Urban Sports Group is supporting our presence at Pride this year, especially now we can actually celebrate it after two years! As a gay person, it’s fantastic to be accepted in my workplace, and it feels like we’re getting closer to equality every day.
However, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to publicity and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community, especially in the sports industry. For example, it’s still newsworthy when an active soccer player comes out as LGBTQIA+, which is why raising awareness beyond Urban Sports Group is one of our long-term goals.
How open is Urban Sports Group’s work environment to LGBTQIA+ issues?
The company strongly supports the community by being open to feedback and supporting the projects, events and initiatives Urban Rainbow Club members suggest. There’s a member of the club in every department, spanning all the colors of the rainbow – so it’s fair to say Urban Sports Group is very supportive and welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community. Keep it up!
What are your upcoming projects and wishes for the future?
We’ll be playing a key role in this month’s Pride activities, especially in the Berlin Pride parade at the end of July.
Furthermore, after defining the purpose and identity of the club, we’ll roll out Pride activities to create an inclusive and safe space for every Urban Sports Group employee.
Urban Sports Club believes that sports can promote diversity and help people connect. We’re proud that our range of sports and activities is just as diverse as our employees, so if you want to offer membership to your team, feel free to contact us.
