Coming Out Day: Interview from Florence Lecoutre & Milo Bogaerts on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Florence: Personally, Coming Out is an act of courage and self-liberation. It’s about taking control of your narrative in a world that often tries to define you. Professionally, it signals that we, as an organization, need to create an environment where people feel safe to be their authentic selves. It’s not enough to be “tolerant”; we must actively ensure that our culture supports and celebrates differences.

Coming Out also forces us to confront our own biases. I think it’s an opportunity for everyone—whether you’re coming out or supporting someone who is—to reflect on how inclusive your actions truly are, both in and out of the workplace.

Florence: Even in companies with strong DEI policies, fear of judgment still exists. People worry about how their colleagues will perceive them, whether it will impact their career growth, or if it will change the way they’re treated day to day. There’s also the emotional toll—coming out isn’t just a one-time thing. It’s a repeated process in every new environment or interaction.

Milo: That’s why it’s essential that we as leaders make it clear. YOU are valued for who you are, in every dimension. The more we normalize open conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity, the easier it becomes for everyone to be themselves at work.

Milo: I strongly believe that the idea that we should “leave personal matters at the door” is outdated. In a modern working environment where we want people to thrive, they should be fully themselves, and that means also to be able to talk about personal aspects of what makes you you. It’s not about forcing anyone to share—it’s about ensuring people know they *can* share, and it will be met with respect.  It’s about sending a clear message: “Who you are matters, and we welcome every part of you.” 

Milo: For me, diversity isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s critical for innovation. When you work in diverse teams, you’re constantly challenged to think differently, to step outside of your own perspective. That’s where real creativity happens. I’ve been lucky to experience this firsthand in some of the best teams I’ve been part of. They weren’t just professionally strong; they thrived because people brought their full selves to work, and we learned from each other’s differences.

Joining the global diversity council was a natural extension of my belief that diversity is something we need to embed in everything we do, from the way we hire to how we develop talent and shape our culture.

Florence: It’s about more than just policies on paper—it’s about creating a culture of trust and belonging. Leaders play a huge role in this. It’s important that they not only speak up about diversity but also show their support in concrete ways, whether through mentorship, sponsoring employee resource groups, or just being visible allies. 

Florence: We have a range of support mechanisms. Our employee network groups, like PRIDE, offer both community and practical advice for anyone who needs it. We also provide anonymous employee assistance hotlines for those who want confidential guidance. And let’s not forget the importance of education—our diversity intranet is full of resources, from articles to webinars, that can help anyone learn more about fostering an inclusive environment.

Milo: Start with listening. It sounds simple, but just being willing to listen without judgment when someone shares their story makes a huge difference. Beyond that, educate yourself. Be aware of the challenges LGBTQ+ people might face, whether it’s around pronouns, microaggressions, or assumptions about their lives. The more informed you are, the better ally you can be.

Florence: At a broader level, we need to foster an environment where differences are embraced, not just tolerated. That means actively standing against any form of discrimination and speaking up when we see or hear something that doesn’t align with our values of inclusion.

In parallel, we will ensure our PRIDE networks grow, expanding the visibility of LGBTQ+ voices in leadership roles, and continuing to challenge the status quo.

Milo: You are not alone, you are valued. Whether or not you choose to come out, know that this organization stands behind you. There are people here who are ready to listen, support, and celebrate you for who you are. Take your time, do what feels right for you, but know that when you’re ready, this is a place where you can bring your whole self to work.