Introduction
Hi everyone, I’m Bastien Goubeaux!
I grew up in northeast France, but I’ve spent all my adult life abroad, living in four different countries before settling in the UK at 25. Traveling is a passion, and I love immersing myself in different cultures. I am always eager to explore new places and meet new people. I speak French and English fluently, am refreshing my German, and am learning the basics of Spanish.
Outside of work, I stay active with various hobbies. As a dedicated foodie, I’m always on the hunt for new coffee flavors and exciting recipes, and I love exploring different restaurants. More recently, my partner and I have even started growing our own vegetables.
Whether it’s planning my next trip or diving into a new culinary experience, I’m always up for the next adventure!
Personal Journey
Please share a bit about your journey within the LGBTQIA+ community.My journey within the LGBTQIA+ community has been pretty smooth. Coming from a small town in northeast France, the concept of a "community" was somewhat unfamiliar to me growing up. It wasn't until I moved to England at the age of 23 that I truly began to discover and understand what it means to be part of this diverse and vibrant community.
At first, I thought it would be straightforward, united under one flag. However, I quickly learned that it's a rich variety of experiences and identities, each with its nuances. Navigating this landscape has been both challenging and enlightening, offering me a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices and stories within the community. It's a continuous journey of learning, understanding, and embracing the different facets of who we are.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
While there haven't been specific defining moments, the most rewarding aspect of my journey has been the growing sense of pride and acceptance of who I am. Embracing my identity and being true to myself has been incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, learning about the diverse experiences and backgrounds of others within the LGBTQIA+ community has been profoundly rewarding. Discovering and learning from the community has enriched my understanding and fostered a deeper connection with those around me. This ongoing process of self-acceptance and community engagement has allowed me to feel a genuine sense of belonging and appreciation for the beautiful diversity that defines us.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
What challenges have you faced as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in the workplace, and how have you overcome them?
Back in the day, entering the workplace as a foreigner already set me apart from many of my colleagues. Adding my identity as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community to that mix made me worry about being labeled from the start. I felt that I would need to work twice as hard to prove myself as a strong asset to the team and to fit in.
However, these challenges pushed me to focus on my strengths and abilities, ensuring that my work spoke for itself. I found that building strong professional relationships and demonstrating my commitment and skills helped break down any preconceived notions. Additionally, seeking out supportive colleagues and allies within the workplace made a significant difference, creating an environment where I felt more comfortable and accepted. Over time, I learned that authenticity and confidence in who I am were key to overcoming these challenges and thriving in my professional role.
Allies and Support
How can colleagues be better allies to the LGBTQIA+ team members?
Having allies in the workplace is incredibly valuable. In my opinion, being a good ally should come naturally, without needing to keep the community hidden or make an exaggerated display of support. True allyship is about inclusion and equality.
Colleagues can be better allies by ensuring that LGBTQIA+ team members are included in conversations and treated as equals. Promoting inclusivity should be about creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued without forcing the issue. It’s important to support and respect each individual’s identity and experiences while fostering a culture of openness and understanding. Simple actions, like listening, being respectful, and speaking up against discrimination, can make a significant difference in making the workplace more inclusive for everyone.
Advice and Insight
How can companies create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ employees?
Creating a truly inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ employees involves celebrating individuals for who they are, regardless of their community. It's important to recognize and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community during significant times of the year, but inclusivity should be a year-round commitment.
Companies might benefit from hosting open sessions to discuss issues related to the LGBTQIA+ community, promoting understanding and dialogue. It's crucial that companies focus on making their workplace a safe space for all communities, allowing for open conversations and learning opportunities. Mistakes can happen, and it’s important to create an environment where people can learn from them without fear. Honest mistakes should be met with understanding and education, not condemnation.
Supporting your teams and communities means fostering a culture of inclusivity that goes beyond a checklist. Inclusivity should be an integral part of the company culture, encouraging openness, respect, and continuous learning. By doing so, companies can ensure that all employees feel valued and supported, creating a more cohesive and thriving workplace.
Community and Belonging
How has being part of an inclusive company community affected your sense of belonging?
Creating an inclusive company culture is a challenge in itself, and it's even more complex in a Remote First company. However, despite these challenges, DoiT has been an exceptional place to work. The company celebrates people year-round and promotes mindfulness. The ethos of being kind to one another, working together as a whole, and striving for success in a positive environment is deeply ingrained.
DoiT celebrates all cultures, opinions, and celebrations, fostering an atmosphere of discussion and respect. The emphasis on respect and learning from one another has meant that I have never felt any hesitation or fear in being myself. I feel genuinely supported by both my colleagues and management, who ensure we work in harmony.
We have special events for community celebrations and SIG (Special Interest Group) meetings to discuss and connect. Working for a company that is so mindful of inclusivity is truly rewarding, as it brings out the best in our teams and creates a strong sense of belonging for everyone.
Pride Month Significance
What does Pride Month mean to you?
Pride Month is a wonderful time of the year. It’s a celebration of our differences and a moment to see how many people want to participate in celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s heartening to see allies joining in, feeling part of a much larger, inclusive community.
Pride Month is also a time for reflection. It reminds us of the significant progress we’ve made, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the work still ahead of us. It’s a chance to acknowledge the milestones we've achieved and to focus on the path forward, ensuring we continue to strive for equality and acceptance for everyone.
Join us!
DoiT is growing, and we’re looking for people to join our teams around the globe. Learn more about our open roles and LifeAtDoiT on our Here!
