LGBTQ+ national awards: BMS, Gilead, AbbVie and AstraZeneca recognised

Pharmaceutical companies are among those leading the charge in workplace inclusion, with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Gilead Sciences, AstraZeneca and AbbVie recognised at the Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards for meeting the highest standards of commitment to LGBTQ+ people and communities.

In a timely nod to PRIDE Month, BMS celebrated a milestone achievement, advancing from Bronze to Silver status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI). The recognition reflects the sustained efforts of its local PRIDE Alliance team in building a workplace culture where diversity, visibility and advocacy are embedded.

Clare Cipa and Clare London, Co-Leads of the BMS Australia PRIDE Alliance, said “This achievement is a reflection of our shared vision and desire for inclusivity. Through education, visibility and advocacy, our people know they are safe to bring their true selves to work. We are immensely proud of this recognition and remain dedicated to furthering PRIDE initiatives in our organisation.”

Echoing this commitment, Owen Smith, General Manager of BMS ANZ, noted “Achieving Silver Tier status is not only a testament to the fortitude of our PRIDE Alliance team but also to every individual’s effort at BMS Australia in being open to learning and walking the talk. It marks a significant milestone and I am inspired by the collective dedication shown by our team.”

According to Dawn Emsen-Hough, Director of ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs, the results speak to the broader organisational benefits of inclusion.

“We’re seeing outstanding results in this year’s Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) submissions, which clearly reflect how deeply many organisations value this work,” Emsen-Hough said.

“With hundreds of organisations participating, covering a workforce of tens of thousands of people, it’s clear that LGBTQ+ inclusion is not a niche initiative – it’s a core part of creating equitable, high-performing, and supportive workplaces.”

She added, “Our data shows that when inclusion is embedded in workplace culture, it leads to stronger engagement, improved wellbeing, and better performance outcomes – not only for LGBTQ+ employees but for all staff. When organisations get LGBTQ+ inclusion right, everyone benefits.”

Despite the positive momentum, the AWEI Employee Survey highlighted a slight decline in the number of employees who feel safe to be fully out at work. Social discourse and external factors were cited as contributing pressures.

“This reinforces the importance of visible, ongoing leadership and commitment to inclusion across all levels of an organisation,” Emsen-Hough emphasised.

Smith reinforced BMS’s continued commitment “to fostering an even more inclusive environment that embraces and celebrates all identities.”

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