Pride, People and the Sector
Happy Pride! No matter how many times I say it, it still fills me with hope.
While there is still stigma, outdated views and prejudice in the world, Pride Month shines through the noise and brings me back to what really matters: people. Without the amazing people in automotive, we wouldn’t have such a vibrant and evolving sector. From sales teams to technicians, engineers to body repair specialists, and all the lovely flavours in between, automotive is shaped by people with different stories, identities and strengths.
Breaking the Mould
For a long time, people had a very fixed idea of what someone in the automotive sector “should” look or act like. But that’s changing. More and more people are realising there’s no single way to belong in this industry.
The next generation entering automotive is helping reshape what the sector looks like. Workshops, classrooms and workplaces are becoming more open, supportive and accepting of different people and perspectives, and that’s something worth celebrating.
Visibility Matters
As someone who is both pansexual and neurodivergent, I know how important it is to feel accepted for who you are, rather than feeling pressure to fit a mould. Pride is a reminder that your individuality isn’t something you need to hide. It can be one of your greatest strengths.
The automotive world has always included LGBTQ+ people and people who challenged stereotypes, even if they weren’t always visible. We stand on the shoulders of people like Lella Lombardi, an openly lesbian racing driver and the first and only woman to score points in Formula One, and Mike Beuttler, one of the first openly gay Formula One drivers. Their visibility helped challenge expectations in motorsport and opened doors for future generations.
Allyship in Automotive
Allyship is crucial, and to all our allies, thank you. Your support helps the LGBTQ+ community grow, heal and feel seen, especially in spaces where it may not always feel accepted.
Allyship comes in many forms, whether that’s educating yourself, listening to lived experiences, or challenging prejudice when it happens. Being an active ally doesn’t have to be complicated: listen, learn, speak up and help create inclusive spaces. Visibility matters. Support matters. No one should have to stand alone, so stand with us.
Finding Your Place
Whichever way you fit into the sector, take this Pride as a chance to celebrate your uniqueness and support the people around you. Reach out to one another, build each other up and remember that you don’t have to navigate the industry alone.
There’s strength in community, and small acts of support and respect can make a real difference to someone’s confidence and sense of belonging.
The Future of Automotive
The future of automotive won’t be shaped by one type of person. It will be shaped by people bringing different experiences, identities and strengths to the table.
That’s what makes this sector exciting. And that’s something worth taking pride in.
The automotive sector is a really unique group of people. The industry is extremely supportive, with everyone coming together to help and support each other.
Behind every conversation are real people with real experiences. Here Ed Rogers and kay McNeil share their stories, perspective, and experiences within the automotive industry.
Ed Rogers
Kay McNeil
