This International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) on 17 May, IKEA Australia called on its customers and co-workers to show their support to become stronger allies for the LGBT+ community.
To celebrate the day, the iconic ‘Home Sweet Home’ sign was redesigned by IKEA and turned into ‘Home Pride Home’ using colours from the Progress Flag to become a symbol of pride.
IKEA Australia equality, diversity and inclusion leader, Josh Rozairo said, “We are a purpose-led company, and want to drive positive change in society. We support our LGBT+ co-workers’ and customers’ right to be themselves and feel included at IKEA, at home, or out in the world.”
He added: “LGBT+ inclusion isn’t something which exists on one specific day at IKEA Australia. Every day we are constantly building on meaningful initiatives for our co-workers and customers, and we see IDAHOTB Day as a time to come together, recognise and celebrate. For our customers, this can be seen at multiple points throughout our stores, even from the moment they enter the carpark.”
For customers, IKEA Australia has recently adopted inclusive family car park signage to represent a more diverse picture of Australian families. Gender-neutral bathrooms can be found in all stores to make customers feel safe, comfortable and accepted.
IKEA Australia is also committed to creating a fair and equal workplace. Recent actions include the introduction of gender-neutral uniforms, and a space for pronouns on name badges.