In 2005, KPMG established the pride@KPMG employee resource group. The group, which began as an informal gathering of LGBT employees a few years ago, has now grown into a company-wide initiative with active members in several offices across Canada. The pride@KPMG group distributes newsletters every quarter to notify members of networking and social events, and to share their experiences of working within the firm. The group also acts as a support network for employees who are working through the challenges of coming-out to their colleagues, friends and families.
The group is also very active in the larger LGBT community, sponsoring organizations such as the Gay and Lesbian Business Association of British Columbia, Calgary Cares, and le chambre du commerce gaie du Québec. Members also sponsor and support AIDS walks in various cities across Canada, as well as the annual pride festivals in Calgary, Halifax, Edmonton, Ottawa and Prince George.
"Having an employee network for the LGBT community, such as pride@kpmg, was a huge help for me coming out at work. It's a scary process and having the support and coaching of others who have 'been there and done that' is extremely comforting."
— Chris Post, Partner in KPMG's Calgary, AB office