As June arrives, Naimuri is proudly celebrating Pride Month, a time to honor LGBTQ+ history, celebrate identity, and reflect on how we can continue to build a genuinely inclusive workplace.
We sat down with Ruth Mills (she/her), Senior Software Engineer and our DE&I Power Group Lead, to discuss what Pride means to her, the power of workplace allyship, and her journey at Naimuri.
Defining the Spirit of Pride
When asked to describe the essence of Pride in just three words, Ruth doesn’t hesitate:
"Community, Joy, Resistance."
For Ruth, Pride is a multifaceted celebration and a vital movement.
"It's a chance to celebrate LGBTQ+ lives and culture, and to campaign for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion," she explains. "This is especially important in light of recent rollbacks in rights and an increasingly hostile environment for LGBTQ+ people."
Bringing that celebration into the workplace is a core part of Naimuri's mission.
"Within Naimuri, I feel it is important to celebrate Pride so that our LGBTQ+ employees feel welcomed and respected, and so that prospective employees feel confident and safe to apply for roles here."
Creating a truly inclusive workplace
True inclusion goes far beyond waving a rainbow flag in June.
According to Ruth, a workplace that genuinely supports the LGBTQ+ community requires active foundation-building:
- A Culture of respect: An environment where people are encouraged to be their authentic selves and where identities and pronouns are universally respected.
- Psychological safety: High levels of trust where employees feel safe to speak up and be vulnerable.
- Clear boundaries: Strong, actionable guidelines and processes to decisively deal with homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic behavior.
Beyond June: How allies can step up year-round
Ruth emphasises that allyship is a continuous, daily practice. If you want to be a stronger ally to the LGBTQ+ community, here is her advice:
- Call it out: Speak up when you witness exclusionary behavior. Simple phrases like "That's not okay," or "How would you feel if you were spoken to like that?" can make a massive difference.
- Stay informed: Educate yourself on the current challenges facing the community, particularly around the loss of rights, legal gender recognition, and institutional segregation.
- Support the cause: Question anti-LGBTQ+ narratives in the media and back organisations like the Good Law Project that actively campaign for equal rights.
Growth and Culture at Naimuri
Ruth’s impact at Naimuri is felt deeply through her leadership in our DE&I Power Groups. "The Power Groups have really helped with shaping and improving Naimuri's culture," Ruth says. "They ensure we remain as inclusive, sustainable, and committed to wellbeing as possible."
Alongside culture-driven initiatives, Ruth highlights Naimuri’s professional development frameworks, like the Tech Lead Accelerator Programme and the Mentor Programme, as instrumental pillars that have supported her own professional and personal growth.
Inspiration, community, and looking back
Ruth draws inspiration from a powerhouse lineup of LGBTQ+ pioneers and tech icons, including Alan Turing, Wendy Carlos, Lynn Conway, and Sophie Wilson.
Her resilience is deeply rooted in the history of the movement itself.
"Even when it feels as though everything is stacked against you, it is still possible to find joy and camaraderie with others in the community," Ruth reflects.
"Things are rarely as bad as they are depicted in the media. People are generally a lot more welcoming and accommodating than the news would have you expect."
Words of wisdom to her younger self
If Ruth could travel back in time, her advice to her younger self would be simple yet profound:
"Don't be afraid to be yourself sooner. You only have one life, and you don't know what the future holds, so make the best of it as soon as you can. Also, take time to seek out friends and community. Your people are out there. Be you, and do all the things that bring you joy."
Ruth’s Pride Culture Picks 🏳️🌈
Want to celebrate Pride with some of Ruth’s personal favorites? Check these out:
- To watch: Better than Chocolate (A classic Canadian LGBTQ+ film).
- To listen: Add "My Lady of Mercy" by The Last Dinner Party to your ultimate Pride playlist.
- To support: The "Safe Space" Initiative. Operating in Manchester and various UK towns, it invites local businesses to formally pledge themselves as safe spaces for trans and non-binary individuals
Thank you, Ruth, for your leadership, your insights, and for helping make Naimuri a workplace where everyone can bring their whole, authentic selves to work.
