“I will keep waving my rainbow flag and speak up for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ and I will keep learning, as the proud mother of two LGBTQIA+ individuals I am”, says Marie.
Read more: Happy Pride – how can we make a more inclusive workplace?
Hi, Marie! Living in Lund in the south of Sweden with your husband, what’s your connection to the LGBTQIA+ movement?
“The main reason that I am engaged with diversity and inclusion issues is because of my children. My 19-year-old son is gay, and my 22-year-old daughter is pan-romantic asexual. Because of my children my focus when it comes to diversity and inclusion is LGBTQIA+ and their rights. I am driven by the idea of everyone’s equal value and the right to be who you are and love whoever you want. I long for the day when my children can move around freely in the world and not be afraid of getting yelled at, beaten or even killed. My children can’t go to some places in the world and that makes me sad.”
“The main reason that I am engaged with diversity and inclusion issues is because of my children. My 19-year-old son is gay, and my 22-year-old daughter is pan-romantic asexual.”
That’s not only sad, but unfair – and your whole company has got your children’s back. How well do you think Visma succeeds in this matter?
“Although it hasn’t looked like Visma has worked on the diversity and inclusion issues for so long, I think we’re on the right track with our diversity and inclusion strategy. I also think that we do need more education on diversity and inclusion, especially the leaders in Visma.”
Read more: Diversity creates a dynamic workplace
You’re absolutely right, there’s still a job to be done! And we’re so glad you want to take part in this year’s celebration by doing this interview. What made you say yes?
“Yes, I thought about that a lot lately, since I’m not a LGBTQIA+ person myself. However, I’ve been thinking about how my children would have been accepted if they worked at Visma. Gladly I think they would be. I actually think that no one would care about their sexual orientation and that makes me happy.”
“I’ve been thinking about how my children would have been accepted if they worked at Visma. Gladly I think they would be. I actually think that no one would care about their sexual orientaition and that makes me happy.”
Have you ever experienced any uncomfortable reactions or comments when talking about your children?
“I’ve had one or two raised eyebrows, just for a second before the person in front of me realises that my son is gay. I always speak up when someone says something which can be perceived as homophobic. Thankfully that hasn’t happened many times. But believe me, I’m not God almighty on this topic, so I’m humble to the fact that I don’t know and understand everything. I’m still learning. As individuals we all need to learn more about LGBTQIA+ and open our eyes to the fact that people are people. My best friend has a saying: just be nice to others and you will see that everything will be alright.”
Thank you so much for sharing your excellent thoughts, Marie. We wish you – and your children – a wonderful, loving and colourful Pride month!
“Thank you so much! The day we don’t have to celebrate Pride would be the real day to celebrate, but sadly I don’t think that will happen during my lifetime. I will keep waving my rainbow flag and speak up for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ and I will keep learning, as the proud mother of two LGBTQIA+ individuals I am.”
Read more: Our approach to diversity and inclusion
