As part of the concluding celebration of Pride Month, Google will hold an online event called “Pride Conversations” to create a discussion and champion some of today’s inspiring members of the Filipino LGBTQ+ community. This will be streamed live on Google Philippines YouTube channel on June 30 at 5 p.m.
Taking part in the discussion are Antipolo City Barangay Councilor Kristine Ibardolaza; Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Fellow Dr. Berry Beriña; motorcycle enthusiast and vlogger Gaki Azurin, more popularly known as “GakiMoto”; comedian, host, and YouTube creator Mikey Bustos; and Google Philippines Program Manager Melai Lopez.
“Google is committed to inclusion and this Pride month, we’re excited to share how we always support the LGBTQ+ community in a number of ways–from sustaining a diverse workplace culture to providing grants, to hosting events around the world to continue the discussion on equality,” said Mervin Wenke, Communications and PR Head for Google Philippines. “We are glad to further show this commitment through our products like Google Maps which is helping enable a virtual Pride March initiative this year.”
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Home to LGBTQ+ employees
Google said it fosters a diverse and inclusive culture where LGBTQ+ employees are respected, celebrated, and empowered. The company ensures that they enjoy the same opportunity to shine, be heard, and succeed in the organization just as much as any other employee. Below are just some of the benefits for Google’s LGBTQ+ employees around the world including the Philippines:
- Same-sex health benefits: Google is committed to and provides same-sex health coverage for Googlers and their partners.
- Employee assistance program: Google offers free emotional wellbeing support, 24/7, 365 days for Googlers and their dependents, as well as access to free expert information on legal, financial, and other topics. These services are confidential.
- Parental leave:
- A non-birth parent has at least 12 weeks of paid parental leave to spend with a new child (any parent who has a child born or adopted).
- A ramp-back policy to help a non-birth parent transition back to work after a long leave is available.
Preferred pronouns
Googlers (what Google employees are usually called) also have the freedom of establishing their preferred pronouns (he, she, xe, they) so colleagues will know how to best address an LGBTQ+ employee in the workplace to show inclusion and respect.
“At Google, the use of preferred pronouns lives beyond work profiles and email signatures. Before a meeting begins, we may ask each other our preferred pronouns to address our colleagues accordingly and show respect. This demonstrates that LGBTQ+ employees are important and are always included in the discussion,” said Melai Lopez, a trans woman and a Program Manager at Google Philippines.
The “Pride Conversations” live event is part of Google’s initiatives for Pride Month.