At L&G, we know Pride is more than a single month in the calendar; it’s a mindset we carry year-round. Our theme for this year, ‘Committing together, united in pride’, reminds us that progress isn’t passive. It takes all of us, showing up consistently and compassionately, to build a world where everyone feels they belong.
Idrees Ahmed: Championing inclusion through identity and intersectionality
We recently caught up with Idrees Ahmed, a graduate of our HR scheme and Deputy Co-Chair of L&G’s ‘Socio-Economic Mobility’ internal network, to talk about how identity, visibility, and support systems have shaped his journey, both personally and professionally.
Idrees grew up in one of Birmingham’s most deprived areas, in a household where English wasn’t spoken at home. As a first-generation university student, he studied Global Health and Pharmacology at King’s College London, a journey shaped by opportunity, mentorship, and a drive to make a difference.
Now at L&G, he’s using his voice to advocate for inclusion, particularly around the intersection of sexuality and socio-economic background. As a gay man raised in a South Asian household, Idrees shares how navigating identity has been both powerful and challenging, and how this Pride Month, he’s choosing to celebrate intersectionality more than ever.
“It’s difficult to separate identity from the workplace. But if there isn’t someone creating that space, you are the incredible person creating it without even realising.”
Why visibility and allyship matter
For Idrees, Pride Month 2025 is a time to be seen, and to help others feel seen too. It’s a chance to celebrate the people who offer support behind the scenes, the colleagues who listen, and the mentors who open doors.
“With so many characteristics that make me diverse, I’ve often struggled to feel like I belong in the rooms I’m in,” he shares.
He credits L&G’s inclusive culture and internal networks for giving him space to grow. From hosting Insight Days for young people to volunteering in schools, his work is powered by a clear purpose: helping others see what’s possible.
“Your story matters, no matter how many times it’s been told. To our allies: thank you. But please, keep listening, stay curious, and check in on those around you.”
“I recently joined a team where I see that visibility in some of my senior colleagues, people whose struggles I can only imagine, but their presence alone reminds me that you can thrive in what you do, and life goes on.”
Pride Month 2025 and beyond: Building a workplace where everyone belongs
Idrees’s story is a powerful reminder that identity is layered, and that visibility, allyship, and inclusion must go hand in hand.
At L&G, we know that our strength comes from the diversity of our people. Creating an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and celebrated is not just the right thing to do; it’s central to who we are.
From our employee networks to our mentoring programmes and social mobility partnerships, we’re committed to making space for all voices.
We’re proud to be building a workplace where people like Idrees can thrive, bring their full selves to work, and inspire the next generation to do the same.
Learn more about diversity and inclusion at L&G.
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