Sony Music stands up for democracy and diversity at Berlin’s pride parade

On July 27th around 160 employees, artists and members of the queer Sony Music network EYO (‘Embrace Yourself and Others’) celebrated and demonstrated for love, diversity and human rights.  This year, Sony Music Germany was once again represented with its own truck at Berlin’s Christopher Street Day (CSD).  Under the slogan “Only Strong Together – For Democracy and Diversity”, hundred thousands of people took part in the demonstration in Berlin.

Participating in the parade was one of various Pride activities that occurred at Sony Music GSA in July. Among other activities, Sony Music hosted a fair booth at Sticks & Stones, Europe’s largest LGBTQIA+ job and career fair, at the beginning of the month. Additionally, the queer employee network EYO organized a Pride parade pre-event at the Berlin office on July 23, which highlighted the history and significance of ballroom culture. The event featured  live performances and panel discussions with Crystal 007, Father David Elle and Jade 007, prominent members of the German ballroom community who are regularly programming Ballroom events throughout the country.

Sony Music Entertainment supports the LGBTQIA+ community as an employer through various actions and guidelines. Amongst other measures, Sony Music issued a guidance for employees and managers on the best ways to support our employees who are nonbinary, transgender, or gender nonconforming. Furthermore, measures such as gender-neutral restrooms in the Berlin office, gender-neutral language and LGBTQIA+ awareness training create a safe space for all employees. Additionally, trans people are supported in their transition with five supplementary days of leave per year.

“Pride is a fundamental element of our corporate culture. This starts with diversity and inclusion workshops during onboarding and continues with our queer network EYO within the company. What matters most to us is that our commitment to LGBTQIA+ issues primarily  benefits the community, which is visibly represented in our company by numerous artists and employees,“ says Nasrin Vahdani, founding member of the Sony Music LGBTQIA+ network EYO and Recruiter People Experience Sony Music Entertainment GSA.

Martin Staudigl (Vice President People Experience GSA): “We want to guarantee an inclusive environment for our artists and employees where everyone can grow and contribute to the company’s success in a creative environment. Of course, this also includes supporting extensive actions for our LGBTQIA+ community on a global and local level. We are thrilled to have been represented at the Berlin pride parade for the fourth time with around 160 employees from all departments as well as artists  and creators. Happy Pride!”

About EYO
EYO GSA (‘Embrace Yourself and Others’) is an employee network within Sony Music GSA, consisting of LGBTQIA+ employees and allies from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. EYO is committed to raising awareness for diversity and inclusion issues, both internally and beyond the company’s boundaries. With members from various  departments of Sony Music GSA, EYO provides a safe(r) space for queer employees and promotes diversity throughout the company.