My name is Olivier. I’m a human capital consultant for the HR team. My husband also works at Randstad. I'm French from France, and I've lived in Quebec for 5 years.
what does PRIDE at work mean to you?
For me, PRIDE at work means showing my true colours, being able to be who I am without being afraid of labels or judgment.
what makes you most proud about being a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?
I’m proud to belong to the 2SLGBTQIA+community because of events like Pride, which, before being a beautiful party, is, first and foremost, a fight for equality! We fought for our rights and help others in their fights! We have a voice, and I’m proud of it.
how do you think companies can better contribute to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community within their workforce?
I can’t speak for other companies, but Randstad has a 2SLGBTQIA+ business resource group called Randstad Proud that I think is just great. I hope all companies can have something like it or can work towards something like it. In this group, we can talk about the challenges we face and discuss solutions or activities. I feel like I belong in the company, but this committee allows me to feel useful to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
what has been your favourite memory of acceptance?
My best memory of acceptance is when I told my sister I was gay. First, She hugged me, then she told me we were going to be two girlfriends who go shopping together, haha (a little cliché, but it made me feel accepted).
how do you bring your whole self to work?
Every morning when I wake up and go to work, I remind myself that not all countries and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are as lucky as I am to be able to themselves; I owe it to myself to be grateful for that. And thanks to Randstad, I have the time to make time for the 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations that I’m passionate about.
why did you want to take this opportunity to bring Randstad to Montréal pride?
Montréal Pride isn’t just a parade and a big party: it's a symbol of our struggles and our history. During the pride parade, we have a minute of silence for all the strong people who fought for us. With all the 300,000 people emblazoned with our colours, scars and love, we continue to fight for what all those brave people at Stonewall and elsewhere have put in place for future generations, and we stand with pride for how far we have come for our community.
If you would like to march with us at Montréal PRIDE on Sunday, August 7th from noon to 4 p.m. (ET), follow the link below and sign up to confirm and register your attendance.