On July 20, Dentsu Inc. Aegis Network (DAN) launched "&Proud," a network for LGBT employees in the UK and Ireland, as part of its diversity and inclusion promotion activities. Participating agencies include Carat, Vizeum, iProspect, Isobar, mcgarrybowen, Postercope, MKTG, and John Brown Media.
In its first year, the network will support Diversity Role Models, a charity tackling LGBT bullying in UK schools. DAN employees are encouraged to actively become "role models." Activities will initially target employees, with plans to eventually advise DAN's global clients, upon request, on engaging with the LGBT community and navigating communication activities.
Tracy Degrouse, CEO of DAN UK & Ireland, stated: "Individual differences matter more than commonalities. Diversity fosters a healthy, dynamic, and innovative corporate culture. We aim to solidify diversity and inclusion so that every employee at Dentsu Inc. Aegis Network can be their authentic self at work."