Pride Month is a wonderful time to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community, but here at Bolt, we’re committed to inclusion all year round. Our goal is to create a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and appreciated, making sure that everyone’s voice is heard and their contributions are recognised.

In this article, we showcase the personal experiences of our LGBTQI+ employees. With their narratives, we want to shed light on how our diversity and inclusion initiatives have helped them feel a sense of belonging and satisfaction at work.

By highlighting their stories, we’re celebrating their achievements and emphasising the impact of fostering an open and welcoming workplace culture.

Finding belonging and acceptance at Bolt

Noah Harrison, Customer Support Specialist

In my personal experience, Bolt has been exceptionally accommodating and supportive of me as a trans person.

In Paraguay, there are no legal protections for the LGBTQI+ community. We don’t have the right to change our names or legal safeguards against workplace discrimination. This makes the job search process incredibly stressful, as it’s unclear whether potential employers will respect our identities or provide a safe work environment.

When I applied to join Bolt, I disclosed my trans identity during my initial interview and was met with nothing but kindness. From that moment, my identity was acknowledged and embraced. HR adjusted my records to reflect my chosen name, even though it hasn’t been legally changed, and my true name is used consistently across all Bolt systems.

This might seem like a small gesture to some, but for LGBTQI+ individuals like myself in vulnerable countries, it’s significant. My colleagues respect my pronouns, and I’ve never felt out of place or had my identity questioned. I’m simply another team member.

Furthermore, in Paraguay, it’s often challenging for trans people to secure employment, so I sincerely appreciated that Bolt focused on my skills and experience during the hiring process. I felt seen, valued, and respected.

From hiding my identity to championing change

Dino Silva, People Partner

Growing up, I experienced the challenges that many of us in the LGBTQI+ community encounter in society and the corporate environment.

As a gay man, I initially found myself hiding my queerness to fit in. When I decided to come out in one of my former workplaces, I realised that my queerness was unwelcome and my decision was not seen as managerial. That was also when I decided to start looking for a career in HR and start helping to fix this from within.

From the very beginning, I’ve always felt welcomed and supported at Bolt. I’m able to be myself at all times and in any situation without ever feeling questioned or marginalised because of my sexual orientation. The fact that I can openly express my queerness speaks volumes about our inclusive and respectful workplace culture.

As a gay, cisgender, white man working in HR, I’m keenly aware of my privilege and feel a strong responsibility to advocate for diversity and intersectional rights. I actively engage with our stakeholders on these essential topics to ensure everyone feels equally valued and heard regardless of their identity.

Even though we still have a long way to go, I’ve found that my LGBTQI+ identity is not only accepted but also celebrated. Being part of a team that prioritises diversity and inclusion is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing our company actively working to make this a reality is inspiring, as opposed to just talking about it.

A place where diversity thrives

Marc Naether, Senior Public Policy Manager

Bolt is a young, fast-moving, and diverse company with offices and colleagues all across Europe, Africa, and beyond. We’re authentic in what we do, and as an employee, I can also be genuine in who I am — no matter my origin or sexual orientation.

For someone in an outward-facing role who represents the company to external stakeholders, that’s certainly not a given. I know from experience in my previous professional life that companies might seem open, but later, you discover “unwritten rules” that command discretion about who you are. That’s certainly not the case at Bolt.

Nobody has ever questioned my identity as a gay man. On the contrary, colleagues who are less familiar with life as an LGBTQI+ person have openly come to me and asked questions to have a better understanding. That’s a great sign that we have a supportive network of colleagues at Bolt — one of the company’s strengths.

At Bolt, we’re embedded in society. Anyone could be a potential customer for our ride-hailing service, shared scooters, or meal delivery. As a company, we must be as diverse as our potential customers to understand their needs and grow our business. We have this atmosphere of embracing diversity, and I’m proud that I can come to work every day being who and how I am.

Creating opportunities through open-mindedness

Gugulethu Ntombela, Senior Customer Support Specialist

The South African constitution prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender, or sexual orientation. It’s wonderful to be part of a country with such protections, especially considering some countries don’t have them. However, even though these laws exist, there is still a percentage of people who are homophobic and choose to challenge what has been legally established.

In the 6 and a half years that I have been with Bolt, I’ve never had to stress about ‘’fitting in’’ or not being able to be comfortable about my sexuality because of the environment I’m in. My sexuality has never stopped me from being included in any projects, workshops, or tasks.

Companies need to be open-minded about diversity and inclusion, as this allows for opportunities to explore greatness. It’s saddening to see companies or even individuals who fail to take this approach, as they lose so much talent and opportunity by being narrow-minded.

I’m proud to identify as a lesbian woman and have never felt the need to hide that part of myself in any situation. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by open-minded people, both in and out of the workplace, who feel comfortable discussing LGBTQI+ topics openly and asking questions to gain a better understanding and educate themselves.

Join us!

Creating a healthy workplace involves more than just having rules; it’s about creating an atmosphere of understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. When employees feel safe and supported, they can bring their whole selves to work, leading to greater job satisfaction, innovation, and collaboration.

At Bolt, we’re all about celebrating diversity and making sure everyone feels included. We’ll keep listening, learning, and supporting each other to ensure that Bolt remains a place where every team member can thrive.

If you’re interested in working with us, take a look at our open positions and join us in creating a diverse and lively workplace.

Celebrating diversity: LGBTQI+ perspectives on workplace inclusion

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