This Pride Month, we’re celebrating the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. We sat down with Emily McGovern, our Digital Project Manager here at Agent, to explore what it means to be comfortable in your own skin, the power of inclusivity, and her experiences at Agent.

Emily, what does “being comfortable in your own skin” mean to you?

“To me, it’s all about being you and having acceptance for exactly who you are – embracing yourself without shame or guilt. Accepting your sexuality can be confusing when you’re growing up. You may feel that you should conform to the typical ‘straight’ identity, but it is important to accept yourself and find confidence from within.

“People will have thoughts and opinions, but its valuable to remember that these aren’t facts. Being comfortable in your own skin is the most powerful and admirable trait you can carry.

“It also means expressing your authenticity. This goes for all communities. Think wearing what you want, loving who you love, and the power to express yourself is key to being comfortable in your own skin.

Having grown up in a society driven by social media, it’s important to be patient with yourself and not feel pressure to conform to society’s ‘norms’. Acceptance is a journey, and it’s important to be kind to yourself.”

Have you ever felt pressure to conform to certain societal expectations?

Emily tells us, “Not exactly pressure, but there’s definitely an assumption that people will follow a traditional ‘straight’ path. It can be confusing when your journey doesn’t fit into that.

“Whilst some people find ‘coming out’ to be a powerful step in self-acceptance, in my eyes, it shouldn’t be seen as a requirement. Straight people don’t have to ‘come out’, so why should LGBTQ+ individuals?

“The focus should be on creating a world where everyone feels comfortable being themselves, regardless of their sexual orientation.”

Why is it important for people to feel comfortable expressing their true selves?

“Mental health is a big reason. Not feeling like you can be your true self can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety.

“On the other hand, self-acceptance boosts confidence and self-worth. There’s no reason to be ashamed of who you are! Authenticity allows you to connect with others on a deeper level and live a fulfilling life.

“You are unique, and the world needs your unique voice!”

Can you share some examples of Agent celebrating diversity?

On inclusivity in a workplace setting, Emily shares, “It’s important to be in a safe, judgement-free working environment where the team feels supported and respected regardless of their identities. I believe Agent is that kind of place.

“We’ve done some really fun things over the years. Last year’s pride photoshoot was a ball, all about vibrant colours, fun vibes and loads of glitter. I absolutely loved it. It was a great way to have some fun, express ourselves and celebrate our LGBTQ+ colleagues.

“I also loved attending our International Women’s Day Connect event. Sharing a space with such a diverse group of women from different backgrounds was really inspiring. At Agent, we're all about being our authentic selves, and that's something I truly appreciate.”

Celebrating Pride with Agent

It’s important to us to lead by example – Agent Academy is a prime example of this when we launched it to support young people into the creative and digital industry – ten years on and our first graduates are now in senior roles in the industry.

This Pride Month, Agent celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of self-acceptance for everyone. We're committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all. Join us in celebrating diversity and encouraging everyone to be themselves, be proud, and make their mark on the world!