Journey of Understanding At 49 years old, Sjoerd is a father of five children, two of whom are not biologically his but whom he considers his own. A real rainbow family as one of his children is transgender and the other homosexual. While he once thought acceptance was the norm, he realized this wasn't always the case. He was awakened to the reality of discrimination and rejection faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, especially after his daughter encountered prejudice. 'That’s why I emphasize the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are.' Raised in an environment where love knew no boundaries and was shaped by a childhood of freedom and understanding, Mariëtte's (55) world expanded when a close friend came out to her when they both were still teenagers, so Mariëtte's journey towards LGBTQ+ allyship began at the age of 16. 'This was one of the bravest things I have experienced, because acceptance was far from universal at that time.'Reflecting on those moments, Mariëtte shares: "Being an ally is vital because even in 2024, many still experience difficulties with their coming out. And I say this while thinking about my daughter Mette who had questions about her gender, and the way I noticed how she struggled, to be her authentic self, outside the safe and loving environment of family and friends.'

Family Matters and Leading by Example 'Reflecting on those moments, many still struggle with their coming out. I want to be that pillar of support, especially in spaces where acceptance isn't guaranteed,' Mariëtte adds. Her journey took on a new meaning with the coming out of her uncle which even further highlighted the importance of visibility and acceptance within her closest circle. Witnessing the love and support surrounding his marriage, Mariëtte knew that she wanted to continue nurturing a culture of inclusivity within her own family and workplace as well.

Sjoerd emphasizes the pivotal role of leadership in championing LGBTQ+ rights within the corporate sphere. 'Leaders must lead by example. It's not enough to passively support diversity; we must actively advocate for it and create spaces where everyone feels safe and respected.' Unlike Mariëtte, Sjoerd doesn't wear a rainbow lanyard at the office, however, his dedication to LGBTQ+ allyship is resolute. 'It's about symbols, it's about actions, it’s about inclusion' he affirms. 'Allyship costs nothing, but means everything' Mariëtte adds.

Extending Allyship Beyond the Workplace As Mariëtte's dedication extends beyond the office walls, she is acutely aware of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in different parts of the world and the impact it can have on their safety and well-being. For Mariëtte, allyship is not just a label you simply carry as you go, or something you commit to once, but it is rather a responsibility—one that she carries with grace. 'At Deloitte, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example in embracing diversity and inclusion,' Mariëtte reflects. 'It's about creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are. It's a commitment woven into the fabric of Deloitte's culture worldwide. Through initiatives like the Embassy Model, and Employee Value Proposition (EVP) we ensure that every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive in their authentic selves, regardless of where they work within our global community. Our Purpose Lead Partners are in the lead to develop and implement local change strategies to embed purpose, working with a network of Purpose Champions to engage and guide all practitioners to embrace a purpose mindset and behavior.'

Sjoerd's journey towards LGBTQ+ allyship is both enlightening and inspiring. 'I once naively believed that acceptance was widespread,' he shares. 'But it wasn't until Mels, my child, faced discrimination that I truly understood the depth of challenges LGBTQ+ individuals encounter. My mind finds it difficult to comprehend how others, mainly people outside of a certain individuals’ circle, can strongly judge an individual without understanding their story, needs, or challenges.' Recalling a moment that sparked his advocacy, Sjoerd recounts, 'During a discussion about gender-neutral bathrooms, I questioned why some didn't deem these facilities necessary. It struck me how something seemingly trivial to some could be a significant step towards inclusivity for others, hence why creating a culture of inclusivity and support is imperative.'

A Vision for the Future: Creating a Safe and Inclusive World Mariëtte's vision for the future is deeply rooted in creating a world where everyone in the LGBTQ+ community, (in special) her daughter, feels safe and free to be themselves. She envisions a workplace and society where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated—a place where everyone feels valued and respected regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 'We need to engage in meaningful conversations and challenge our biases,' Sjoerd urges passionately. In his vision for the future, Sjoerd stresses the importance of deep conversations. He believes that engaging with diverse cultures and communities opens doors to acceptance. He also highlights the need for leaders to take a proactive stance in promoting allyship and inclusion. 'Leadership should lead by example. Understanding and empathy are key elements to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.'

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