As part of Pride month, our SGN Pride network are sharing stories and resources with colleagues across the company, and looking ahead to the future of the network as they can continue building a community that supports, represents and connects LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies across SGN.
Hello, I’m Craig Ledgerwood-Cruikshank, Helpdesk Administrator for the Business Service Centre and one of the newest committee members for SGN Pride.
I joined the Pride Committee because I know what it's like to feel you have to hide parts of who you are.
Growing up in the 80s and 90s, during the era of Section 28, I didn't see people like me represented positively. Nobody I knew was openly gay. I knew I was different, but there wasn't the visibility, language or support that helped young people understand and accept who they were.
As I got older, I gradually found safe spaces where I could be myself and started coming out to close friends. But much of my life remained hidden. Relationships were kept private and, even as an adult, there was always a lingering worry about how people might react. I didn't come out to my dad until I was engaged to be married.
Things have changed enormously since then, and that's something worth celebrating. But Pride Month isn't just about looking back at how far we've come. It's about recognising that visibility, acceptance and allyship still matter today.
For me, Pride is about creating a world where nobody feels they need to hide who they are. It's about making sure people feel safe, respected and able to be themselves, whether that's at home, in their communities or at work.
That's one of the reasons I wanted to get involved with SGN Pride. I want to help create an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported, and where colleagues can bring their whole selves to work without fear of judgement.
As a company, supporting Pride Month is an opportunity to listen, learn and celebrate the diversity that makes our workforce stronger. It's also a chance to recognise the role we all play in creating an inclusive culture.
At a time when progress can sometimes feel uncertain, visibility remains important. Pride reminds us not only of how far we've come, but why we must continue moving forward.
How you can get involved
Inclusion is built through everyday actions. Here’s how we can all support our LGBTQ+ friends, family members and colleagues:
- Be an ally: Show support, listen, and speak up if you see or hear something that isn’t right
- Use inclusive language: Respect people’s identities, including names and pronouns
- Educate ourselves: Take time to learn and understand different experiences
- Create safe spaces: Encourage open conversations and ensure everyone feels heard
