In our latest episode of Being Human, we turn our focus to Pride – a celebration close to our hearts at Human Made, and an opportunity to reflect, listen, and act.
Pride is more than a moment in the calendar. It’s a movement rooted in protest, solidarity, and visibility. It’s about recognising that, for many LGBTQIA+ people around the world, being open about who they are still comes with risk. And it’s about standing up – as individuals, as allies, as organisations – to create space for everyone to be safe, seen, and supported.
In this episode, we brought together voices from across Human Made to explore what Pride means to us, how we can be better allies, and the small actions we can all take to make a difference. From mentoring young people in Bulgaria to reflecting on uneven progress across Asia, our colleagues shared honest, powerful perspectives that moved and inspired us.
“To be an ally is just to realise: if you are comfortable, someone else might not be. Numbness is not an excuse.”
Inclusion starts at home
Internally, our commitment to inclusivity runs throughout the year. Our Inclusivity group is an open space where team members regularly meet to review our internal policies, surface concerns, and explore ways we can do better. From onboarding experiences to pronoun use and inclusive benefits, this work is ongoing – and vital.
Throughout June, we also leaned into our culture of connection and celebration through tools like HeyTaco and Music League. These seemingly small things matter. They help foster belonging, raise visibility, and create a space where people can show up as their full selves – or cheer on others who are.
Over the Rainbow: A moment that resonated
A particular highlight this Pride Month was Over the Rainbow: Talking About Inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ Community in WordPress, a powerful talk delivered by our very own Kirsty Burgoine, Engineering Manager, at WordCamp Europe 2025.
Kirsty shared moving personal experiences of being LGBTQIA+ in tech, and offered a heartfelt call to action for how we can all do more – from community organisers making space for queer voices, to everyday allies doing the work of listening, learning, and showing up.
“There have been just five or six LGBTQIA+ talks across many years of flagship WordCamps. That has to change.”
Community change is collective
One thread that ran throughout the podcast was the importance of collective action. As one speaker shared, it’s not about waiting for one or two “heroes” to lead the charge. Lasting change happens when many people do a little – when we challenge casual homophobia, ask hard questions in safe ways, show up for inclusive talks, and help ensure representation is built into our events, our hiring, and our platforms.
We also talked about how generational shifts and cultural context shape our experiences of queerness – and why it’s essential not to assume the work is done, even in places perceived to be progressive.
Pride beyond the logo
Corporate rainbow-washing was another honest topic of conversation – and we don’t shy away from acknowledging the tension between celebration and substance. The answer isn’t to retreat from Pride because it’s “too political” or “too risky” – it’s to stay in the room, speak clearly, and take meaningful action.
We’re proud to be a company that continues to show up. Not just when it’s easy, but especially when it matters most.
Your voice matters
We hope this episode of Being Human sparks conversations within your teams, your communities, and your own thinking. Pride Month may be wrapping up, but the work doesn’t end here. Visibility, safety, and inclusion must be part of how we show up every day – in the WordPress community and beyond.
👉 Listen to the full podcast episode here.
👉 Watch Kirsty Burgoine’s WordCamp Europe talk.
Happy Pride – now, and every day. 🌈