QueerSpace
QueerSpace is KPMG in Denmark’s LGBTQI+ community that aims to drive change, promote equality for all and strives to create a better and more inclusive work environment. It is an employee-driven initiative that involves both top leadership and passionate individuals who spend time beside their job to work on advancing the initiative and creating a balanced community.
Our primary focus is creating a safe space for our people to be themselves without fear, of discrimination and without experiencing hate.
QueerSpace is also a part of Pride@KPMG, KPMG’s global LGBTQI+ network, which exists to share knowledge and ideas. Pride@KPMG collaborates across borders to support all member firms in promoting equality for all employees, especially in countries where conditions are more difficult than in Denmark.
KPMG LGBTQI+ Inclusion Statement
At KPMG, we believe that Diversity, Equity & Inclusion underpins our Values and is vital to our Purpose — to Inspire Confidence and Empower Change. KPMG is committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment that is free from harassment, intimidation, bullying, and discrimination. KPMG has recently launched their first ever GLOBAL LGBTQ+ statement:
We see diversity as a strength in our workplace. We all benefit when LGBTQI+ human rights are respected, and LGBTQI+ people can bring their authentic selves to work. KPMG is committed to supporting diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity.
There is an expectation from our people, our clients and broader society that we have a robust IDE agenda — linked to the S in ESG, our KPMG Impact Plan and our Trust and Growth ambition. Our hope in doing this is that we will attract diverse talent that is representative of the world that we live in and create an environment where all perspectives are encouraged as we solve challenging issues and lead the way forward.
By making a global statement we strive to help improve the conditions and basic human rights around the world. We know that this is just a small step for the community, but it is a big step for KPMG and for the consultancy and auditing industry.
Our Impact
- KPMG guest speakers were invited to speak at external conferences, such as a conference hosted by the Rainbow Alliance, and KPMG has also hosted internal panel debates to inspire employees.
- We share our insights with other Danish companies and inspire them to start an employee driven LGBTQI+ network (read, Employee Resource Group).
- Our support of the LGBTQI+ community is an integral part of KPMG’s corporate and employer branding and hiring initiatives. We also have gender neutral bathrooms in our Copenhagen office.
- On a global level, KPMG is committing to the UN’s guiding principles on business and human rights and putting more focus inclusion and diversity. Read more about Our Impact Plan here.
Our contribution to KPMG
Throughout the past years, we have had different focus areas within KPMG. This year, we aim to raise our colleagues’ awareness on allyship, through ongoing communication and by organising lunch sessions to equip them with tools to be more inclusive.
We also work on creating thought-provoking videos that can educate both employees and society. Watch them below.
Two of our values in KPMG are Together and For better. Those values are especially important when it comes to allyship and guide our behavior to become more inclusive. The more we support each other at work, the easier it is to create a safe and inclusive space for every employee.
Milena Ivkovic, Associate, Quality Risk Management (She | Her)
